Debora Ann (Smith) Strande, age 66, of Crookston, MN, passed away on Sunday, August 21, 2022, after a long and courageous battle with cancer, at her home with her family by her side.
Debbie was born on September 26, 1955, in Bagley, MN, the daughter of the late Ralph and Mary (Kincaid) Smith. She graduated from Crookston Central High School in 1973. She married Lee Bendickson on September 10, 1977, in Reno, NV. Debbie obtained two associate’s degrees from the University of Minnesota Crookston in 1985. She married Jewel Strande on April 29, 1989, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Crookston.
Debbie worked in various positions at Polk County Social Services during her 31-year career. She also found fulfillment as a foster parent, a rewarding journey of 21 years where she opened her home to countless children, from newborns to teens.
Debbie was a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church and the VFW Auxiliary. She was also a member of the Crookston Police Reserve. In her free time, she enjoyed bingo, camping, canning, traveling, and especially watching her grandchildren’s activities and spending time with her family.
Debbie is survived by her daughters and their spouses, Stacey and Chris Bruggeman of Crookston, Ashley and David Rye of Buxton, ND; grandchildren: Carter, Halle, Madilyn, Teegan, Blair, Bexley, and Holland; siblings and their spouses: Linda and Larry Thomas of
Highlands Ranch, CO; Randy Smith, Sharon Bartrum, and Susan and Marc Palmer, of Crookston; sister-in-law, Jaclyn Smith of Bemidji, MN; brother-in-law, Rodney Gilbertson of DeSmet, SD; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Steven Smith; sister, Vicki Gilbertson; and Jewel Strande.
A memorial service celebrating Debbie’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on
Wednesday, August 31, 2022, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Crookston, with a time of visitation one hour before. The Rev. Gregory Isaacson will officiate. The funeral will be live-streamed by going to Debbie’s obituary page at www.stenshoelhouske.com and clicking on the prompt to view. Burial will take place at 2:00 p.m. at Alida Cemetery near Shevlin, MN.
