Edward C. Strand Jr., age 76 of Lynxville, passed away on Monday, July 20, 2026, at his home.
He was born on Jan. 24, 1950, to Edward and LaVona (Hamilton) Strand. He grew up in Lynxville learning to fish, swim, navigate and appreciate the mighty Mississipi. He attended Seneca High School.
At the age of 18, he entered the U.S. Army and served during the Vietnam War. Upon returning home, he worked as a towboat deckhand before becoming a Lockman for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Lynxville’s Lock #9. In addition to being a lockman, he also worked for the Corps as a commercial diver and underwater welder, traveling up and down the Mississippi until his retirement in 2001.
Ed married the love of his life, Carol Lynn, on Dec. 17, 1977, at the United Methodist Church in Prairie du Chien. Together, they raised three daughters and 1 son, Amanda, Erin, Sara and Edward IV. Ed loved spending time talking with family and friends sitting around a kitchen table or campfire.
He loved and cherished his family, friends and Norwegian heritage and was an avid gardener, hunter and fisherman.
He had 11 grandchildren and from chasing imaginary squirrels to going snake hunting, he kept them and their snake fearing mothers on their toes. Ed never missed a chance to pull a good prank, he got us every single year on April Fool’s day, and we never once saw it coming.
Ed had a doctorate from the University of Life. He had a curious mind and was always reading and learning. He kept up on several local newspapers every day and was self taught in just about every subject. There wasn’t a thing he couldn’t fix...all while explaining the history of the invention of the hammer.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years Carol; children Amanda (Kasey) Bean, Erin (Kirk) Konichek, Sara Boxrucker, and Eddie Strand; sister Carol (Cliff) Tollefson; grandchildren Tucker, Elaina, Madyson, Carter, Emma, McKenzie, Regan, Jack, Eddy, Bennett and Brooke; brother-in-law Donald (Lisa) Lynn; and sisters-in-law Kathy (Joe) Chicalese and Debbie Bell. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and LaVona and brother, Joseph Strand.
A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, August 1, 2026 at the Lynxville Community Center. Friends and family may call from 10 a.m. to noon with a brief memorial service and military honors at noon.
Luncheon with gathering immediately following the service. There will be a private interment at a later date in the Dickson Ridge Cemetery. Military Honors will be accorded following the service by the McCormick Rose American Legion Post 308.
The Garrity Funeral Home of Prairie du Chien is assisting the family. www.garrityfuneralhome.com
