Thelma Strand, 97, of Milton, ND passed away Monday April 20, 2009 at the Osnabrock Good Samaritan Center.

Thelma Reitan was born October 13, 1911, to Adolph and Gina (Skaro) Reitan at Milton.  Following her mother’s death in 1921, Thelma assumed the responsibility for raising her five siblings, four of whom were younger than she.  At a younger age Thelma began working to earn money for family needs.  She graduated from Milton High School in 1931 and soon began working in the Milton Café, lasting through several owners.  Thelma was honored for her fifty years of work in the café on May 22, 1982 by the community of Milton at an open house.

Thelma and A. John Strand were married July 8, 1949 at the Milton Lutheran Church.  They made their home in Milton where they were both employed.  John passed away May 22, 1966.

Thelma was resident first of Wedgewood Manor in Cavalier, ND then the Borg Home in Mountain, ND and since 2001, the Osnabrock Good Samaritan Center.  She was a life-long member of the Milton Lutheran Church. 

She is survived by many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband John, brothers and sisters: Lloyd Reitan, Gehart Reitan, Agnes Reitan, Selina “Sally” Welsh, and Gladys Lennox.

SERVICES  Will be held Thursday April 23, 2009 at 11:00 o'Clock at the Milton Lutheran Church of Milton, ND with visitation taking place for one hour before the time of the services at the church

Interment  Milton Memorial Cemetery of Milton, ND