Cheryl Strand Obituary

Cheryl R. Strand, 71, of Appleton, MN., died Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at her home in Appleton, MN.  Visitation will be from 09:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 20, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church in Appleton, MN. Interment will be in the Appleton City Cemetery. Arrangements are with Zniewski Funeral Home, Vaala Chapel in Appleton, MN. www.zniewskifuneralhome.com

Chery's funeral service will be livestreamed on the church's Youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/@zionlutheranappleton4166  

Cheryl Renay Strand was born June 20, 1953, in Benson, Minnesota, the daughter of Marvin and Myrtle (Olson) Johnson. She was baptized at West Bank Church in Danvers, Minnesota, and was confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Appleton, Minnesota. Cheryl grew up in rural Appleton, attended country school through elementary school, and graduated from Appleton High School in 1971. After graduation, she attended the Medical Institute of Minnesota in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and graduated as a Medical Laboratory Technician.

On December 1, 1973, Cheryl married Alfred Irvin Strand at Zion Lutheran Church in Appleton. Together they had two children, Jana and Lisa. Cheryl worked at the Appleton Medical Clinic for over 20 years before changing careers and working at the Montevideo Post Office. The last several years before retiring, she served as postmaster in Echo, Minnesota and Murdock, Minnesota. 

Cheryl was a wonderful mother and grandmother. She never missed her daughters’ sporting events, concerts, or recitals. She loved being a grandmother and cherished spending time with her grandsons. She often attended their sporting events, and school and church programs. One of Cheryl’s love languages was making food for family and friends. She will be remembered for her delicious Special K bars, cinnamon rolls, and butterhorn rolls. Cheryl was consistently an active member of Zion Lutheran Church over the years and up to the time of her passing. In her quiet time, she enjoyed reading, playing solitaire, and word finds. She thoroughly enjoyed spending time with wonderful friends, taking trips, attending concerts, going to plays, playing cards, and sharing meals. Cheryl was genuine, kind, and compassionate. She loved to celebrate with her family and friends and provided love and support during difficult times. 

Cheryl was called from this life on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. She was 71 years old. She is survived by her children: Jana (Cory) Zeiher of Cold Spring, MN and Lisa (Mike) Thielke of New London, MN; three grandchildren: Sam Zeiher, Dane Zeiher, and Jack Thielke; siblings: Arlys (Daryl) Winkelman of New London, MN, Scott (Lisa) Johnson of Chandler, AZ, brother-in-law, Roger Boraas of Appleton, MN, and nieces and nephews.

Cheryl is preceded in death by her parents Marvin and Myrtle Johnson and her sister Marlene Boraas.