Jerald "Jerry" Strand

Jerald “Jerry” Howard Strand, age 79, passed away Friday, January 16th, at Essentia Health Hospital in Fargo, ND.

Jerry was born, raised, and graduated from Portland, ND.  He was 1 of 4 boys, was a wrestler and football player with the Portland Pirates.  Even up to his last years, Jerry would keep track of the NDSU Bison and various NFL teams.  He enjoyed the company of many family members in and around the Portland area and kept close tabs on all of them.

Jerry had a beautiful wife Carol of 37 years. They started their years with his children, James and Shelly from a previous marriage, in Horace, ND and later built a home in Casselton, ND. Jerry spent his whole career as a Security Forces “Cop” in the ND Air National Guard “Happy Hooligans” and a small tour as a Cop in the city of Hatton, ND.  He made many friends on his multiple deployments with the “Happy Hooligans”.  Many of Jerry’s closest friends were fellow Hooligans that he either worked with or met on deployments.  Jerry retired from the ND Air National Guard in January 2001 as a Chief Master Sergeant.  When he had any free time, he made countless trips back in Portland, ND to the hunting cabin where he enjoyed his love for birds, deer, pheasants, hunting and talking politics.  He also had a love for fishing that included Alaska and the big waters of Devils Lake, ND.

Jerry will always be remembered for his warm and caring heart, his love for teaching young people how to hunt and fish, and his love for the great outdoors.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Carol; children, Shelly (Mike) and James (Amy); grandchildren, Marissa (Frank) Contreras, Torri Gaebel, Miranda Duncan, Sierra and Carson Strand; great grandchildren, Cambrie, Haven, Emmit and Lydia; many nieces and nephews; his siblings, Jim and Dean Strand and ex-wife, Linda.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Henrietta Strand; brother, Mike (Madonna) Strand and sister-in-law, Karen (Jim) Strand.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to Pheasants Forever.

Memorial Service: Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 11:00 AM, at West Funeral Home, West Fargo, ND, with visitation one hour before the service.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

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