Karen Irene (Grenz) Strand , 70, of rural Hazelton, passed away, on August 3, 2019,  after a 3 1/2  year battle with pancreatic cancer, surrounded by her loving family.  They cherish the time they had with her.

Karen was born October 10, 1948, in Bismarck, ND to John "Custer" Grenz and Irene (Wittmier) Grenz.  She lived on the family farm, with three brothers, Harley, Gene, and Steve, 15 miles east of Napoleon, a prairie land known as "The Flat", until the family moved into Napoleon, where her parents owned and  operated a restaurant called "Irene's Cafe".

Karen attended school in Napoleon and graduated in 1967.  She attended NDSU as a Freshman, before transferring and graduating from Valley City State College, earning her Bachelor's degree. She started her teaching and coaching career in Ada and Sartell, MN.  It was in Ada, that Karen met her future husband, Jim Strand, who was also a teacher.

Karen and Jim were married on June 29, 1974, at the United Methodist Church in Napoleon, ND.  In 1976, the couple moved back to their home state of North Dakota, where they taught/coached in the Bismarck school system for another 29 years, and where Karen also coached volleyball.  Two children were born to them; a daughter, Krista, and a son, Ryan

After retirement in 2006, they moved to rural Hazelton.  They enjoyed living in the country, and planted ten miles of trees earning them the honor of "Emmons County Conservation Award" and the "NDSU State Conservation Award".  They made many treasured friends, both in Hazelton and their winter home in Sun City West, Arizona.  Karen enjoyed life, and will be remembered by family and friends for her outgoing personality, contagious smile, and unique laugh. She was known as the "social director", organizing many pinochle and mahjong clubs both in North Dakota and Arizona.

Karen was blessed to have shared her life with  her husband, Jim, of 45 years; her children; Krista (Scott) Majkrzak of West Fargo, and Ryan (Lisa) Strand of Castle Rock, CO; grandchildren, Taylor and Ryder Majkrzak and Samuel and Finnley Strand; brothers, Harley (Gloria) Grenz, Napoleon, ND, and Steve (Malai) Grenz, Cheyenne, WY; and three brothers-in-law, Jerald (Carol) Strand, Casselton, ND, Michael (Madonna) Strand,  Portland, ND, and Dean Strand, Portland, ND.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, John "Custer" and Irene (Wittmier) Grenz ; her brother, Gene Grenz; in-laws, James and Henrietta Strand; and grandparents,  Gust and Lydia Wittmier, and Gottleib G. and Christine (Wentz) Grenz.

Funeral services will be held August 9, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at the Salem United Methodist Church in Napoleon.  A private family burial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to the United Methodist Church in Napoleon or the Napoleon Cemetery Association.