Merle Strand, 77

Poulsbo resident Merle Strand died Dec. 16, 2006 in Poulsbo. He was 77.

Strand was born to Martin and Ida Stanley in Bismarck, N.D. on Feb. 3, 1929.

He married his wife Patricia on Feb. 26, 1949 in Poulsbo.

Strand graduated from Bremerton High School in 1947.

He joined the Air Force in 1952 and attained the rank of staff sergeant before his discharge in 1956. He returned to Kitsap County, where he owned and operated Poulsbo Plumbing and Heating, Inc. until his retirement in 1990.

He was an avid bowler and member of the Sons of Norway.

Strand is survived by his wife Patricia Strand of Poulsbo; daughters Melodie Marvel of Kingston and Maylene (Frank) Mathiesen of Poulsbo; brother Martin Strand, Jr. of Bremerton; sister Alvina Schanck of California; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by nine brothers and four sisters.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Jan. 6, 2007 at The Stone Chapel. Private inurnment will take place at Cherry Grove Memorial Park.

Memorial gifts may be sent to The Bellringer, P.O. Box 1244, Poulsbo, WA 98370.