Darlene “Dar” A. Strand, age 72, of Hayward, WI peacefully moved into the arms of our Lord Jesus on March 25, 2023, at home surrounded by family.

Dar was born on March 8, 1951, in Ottawa, IL. to Richard and Elaine (Orsini) Lawsha. In 1969, Dar graduated from Ottawa Township High School. On February 8, 1976, Dar and Hank were united in marriage in Las Vegas, Nevada. They resided in Hayward while Dar raised their three daughters with love and affection as a proud stay-at-home mom. She enjoyed being her daughters Brownie and Girl Scout leader in Hayward.

In 1981, they moved to Coon Rapids, Minnesota. After their daughters were grown, Dar applied for a Bailiff position with the Sheriff's department in Anoka, Minnesota and she was the only applicant without a criminal justice background. After going through an 18-month application process, Dar was the selected candidate and she continued to excel to a higher position, working for a total of seven years as a Bailiff and Correctional Officer.

In 1996, Dar and Hank retired back to Hayward where they proudly raised their granddaughter (Breanna) and grandson (Brendin).

Dar’s greatest passion was her family. She loved her family even more than Diet Coke (I kid you not). She was a woman who was always aware and present while listening intently from her heart. Dar was the most devoted and committed wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister who always put the needs and happiness of her loved ones before her own. She was solely committed to whatever it was she was doing, made time for everyone, and held strong traditional values. Dar was a patient, warm, and loyal person who had a way of making others feel comfortable, special, understood, and loved. Dar generously planned celebrations for birthdays, special occasions, and achievements for her family.

Some of Dar’s greatest moments came from sharing time with family and friends. Dar loved cooking for her family, especially holiday meals. She also loved dark chocolate! Dar enjoyed playing cards, Yahtzee, online Pogo games, Scrabble marathons, doing crossword puzzles, Christmas shopping, and garage sales. Not to forget, Dar was known as the ‘Human Calculator’, as she was a math whiz that was quicker than the calculator.

Over the years, Dar and Hank enjoyed bowling, cribbage tournaments, playing cards and spending time at their seasonal campsite on Round Lake. When football season came, they were avid Green Bay Packers fans. The moon, stars and roaring campfires filled Dar’s heart with joy. She loved the sunshine but loved the peaceful nighttime even more. Some of their favorite destinations included Venezuela, South America, Mexico, Canada, Florida, Colorado, and California.

Dar is survived by her husband and best friend, Henry, of 47 years, daughters: Shelley Bartz (Bryan), Sonya Strand and Stacey Strand-Jensen (Ken), grandchildren: Breanna Rogers-Springer (Ryan), Brendin Rogers, Bailey Rumreich and Levi Bartz, great-grandchildren: Henry Springer, Everly Springer, and Emmitt Rogers, sisters: Doreen Lawsha-Lemke (Kim) and Valerie Mitchell-Welch, brothers:  Rick Lawsha (Karen) and David Lawsha.

Dar was preceded in death by her parents and step-father William Mitchell.

At Dar’s request, a private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

A sincere thank you to the caring staff of Regional Hospice Services. In addition, a special thank you to Dr. Harry Malcolm, Lynn Inhoff, Kerry Schmitt, Pastor Chad McCallum, Linda Waystedt.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to a charity of your choice in memory of Dar.

Last Update: Mar 28, 2023 3:33 pm CDT