Marion Joyce (Dodge) Strand, 91, passed away August 10, 2024.
Marion was born to Clark and Alice Dodge January 3, 1933 and raised on a farm in Wisconsin with her younger sister Connie, Marion learned from a young age the value of family, a good work ethic, and being a helpful member of community. On December 29th, 1956, Marion married the love of her life, Robert Magnus Strand, and moved to the Strand family farm in Bison, South Dakota. There, she and Robert raised Robert “Bucky” Clark Strand, and Gary Gudmund Strand. Marion worked the farm with her family until 1990 when she and Robert retired and moved to Pleasant Valley, South Dakota. In her retirement, Marion continued what she felt was her civic duty being part of the election board in Meade County.
Marion enjoyed gardening her entire life, and when physical limitations didn’t allow for a garden, she maintained lovely indoor plants, taking great pride in her orchids. She was also an avid painter, painting dozens of stunning paintings over her life time. There was very little that Marion could not do or would not try to do. When her mobility necessitated her to move into a care home, Marion did not let this slow her down, and she took it upon herself to speak for the needs and requests of herself and other residents with the administration staff of their care home, where many of her suggestions were taken onboard. A true member of the greatest generation, the world has lost a truly wonderful mother, grandmother, friend and all-around amazing woman.
Marion was proceeded in death by her father and mother, her husband Robert, her younger sister Connie, and her first born son Robert “Bucky”.
She is survived by her son, Gary, his wife Stephanie Strand, her granddaughter Catherine “Katie” Strand, and her grandson David Blackmore and his husband Ryan, who are all so grateful to have been lucky enough to be part of her family.
Visitation will be 9:00 a.m., Thursday, August 15, 2024, Black Hawk Community Church, Black Hawk, SD. Funeral services will follow at 10:00 a.m.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com.
