Norma Jean (Archer) Strand

Norma Jean (Archer) Strand, age 95, of Rice Lake, WI, passed away of natural causes on August 24, 2025, in St. Paul, MN.

Born November 25, 1929, in Hope, Arkansas, to Clemmie (Robertson) Archer and E.L. (Earl Lee) Archer, Sr.

Norma graduated as salutatorian of her high school class and earned a music scholarship to Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. She spent her career as a dedicated elementary school teacher in suburban Chicago. For many years after retirement, she resided in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, and more recently in St. Paul, Minnesota to be near her family. Always curious, Norma thoroughly enjoyed reading a good mystery novel, rooting for her beloved Wildcats football team, canning her delicious strawberry jam, working in her garden, and caring for the many species of birds that visited her yard. She was also a history lover and avid traveler who had the opportunity to visit many wonderful places of historic interest in her later years.

A devoted wife and mother, she was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Dean Curtis Strand; her parents; her brother, E.L. “Blue” Archer, Jr.; her daughter-in-law, Sharon Easton Strand. She is survived by her children, Michael D. (Lindsay), Jeffrey C., Gale F., and David A. Strand, along with 9 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

Norma was a very grateful 31-year breast cancer survivor, but she also knew that there is much more work to be done toward a cure. Should friends desire, memorial contributions in her name may be sent to the American Cancer Society at: https://www.cancer.org/donate/memorial-giving.html