Lawrence O. Strand, age 94, of Mitchell, SD died Saturday, August 27, 2016 at Avera Brady Health and Rehab. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Wednesday, August 31, 2016 at First Lutheran Church with burial and military rites at Servicemen's Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Tuesday at the Will Funeral Chapel with prayer service at 7:00 PM.

Lawrence O. Strand, son of Emil and Helena (Clemensen) Strand, was born September 17, 1921 in Mitchell, SD. He grew up on the family farm south of Mitchell and attended Prosper Center Country School. After his schooling, Lawrence worked on the family farm.

He entered the US Army on September 18, 1942 and served during World War II in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland and Central Europe. He was honorably discharged on November 14, 1945 at the rank of Sergeant. Lawrence returned to the family farm.

He was united in marriage with Opal Thompson on August 29, 1948 in Mitchell, SD. The couple farmed southwest of Mitchell for 20 years. From 1970 to 1983, Lawrence served as the Davison County Weed Supervisor, retiring in 1983. The couple wintered in Mesa for several years.

He was a member of First Lutheran Church. Lawrence enjoyed bowling and in his early years square dancing.

Grateful for having shared his life are his son, Cal (Sue) Strand, Mitchell, SD; five grandchildren, Michelle (Tanner) Musick, Sara Strand, Cali (Tony) Miller, Cody (Jill) Larson, and Ryan (Brittney Burton) Strand; and six great grandchildren, Justice Hinker, Jayci Hinker, Noah Larson, Mia Larson, Carson Strand and Lucien Stienhkuehler; and a sister-in-law, Marilyn Strand, Mitchell, SD.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Opal on October 18, 2005; his parents; three brothers, Clarence, Robert and Kenneth; and a sister, Helen Walz.