Phyllis Redel Strand

Phyllis E. (Redel) Strand, age 98, of Alexandria, died peacefully surrounded by her loving children on Friday, November 21, 2025, at Grand Arbor.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Shalom Lutheran Church in Alexandria.

Phyllis Elaine was born on August 23, 1927, to Carl and Selma (Benson) Johnson in Montevideo. She grew up on the family farm and after graduating high school, married Robert F. Redel. Together, they were blessed with two beautiful children, Janell and Lon. Phyllis dedicated more than 30 years to the Montevideo Public Library system, retiring in May of 1992.

To many, she was known as “Foose.” or "Foosie". To her family, she was Mom, Momski, Grandma, Bubba, and GG. But if you asked her, she would proudly say she was “Queen Bee”—and that she truly was. She was the honey, the earthly cornerstone, and the heart of our family; she held us together with love. She was quick witted, maybe a little feisty and a tad stubborn, and her zingers, could make you laugh or take a pause. But beneath it all, you always knew she was fiercely in your corner.

Later in life, she was united in marriage to Harlan Strand on July 18, 1992, at Alexandria Covenant Church. They wintered in Arizona and spent summers on Lake Minnewaska and eventually built their home in Alexandria. Phyllis spent the past 15 years living at Grand Arbor.

She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Robert Redel; brother, Clayton Johnson; son-in-law, Don Urness; and second husband, Harlan Strand.

Phyllis is survived by her daughter, Janell Thompson Urness of Elk River; son, Lon (Colleen) Redel of Montevideo; five grandchildren, Waylon Thompson of San Diego, California, Kristofer (Sally) Thompson of Princeton, Tasha (Eric) Hafsten of Watertown, Amy Patrick of Montrose, and Jessica (Keith) Patrick of Rice; eight great-grandchildren, Layla, Tilly, and McCoy Thompson, Blake and Tyson Patrick, Jase Rozelle, and Masyn and Jax Patrick.

Urn bearers are her grandchildren. Honorary urn bearers are her great-grandchildren.