Julius Knute Strand

October 20, 1932 – February 12, 2025

 Julius Knute Strand was born October 20, 1932, to Resada Georgina and Carl Strand in Mitchell, South Dakota. The youngest of five children, he followed siblings Margaret, Leona, Edward, and Duane. Julius worked on the family farm and graduated from Mitchell High School.

With a clear call to ministry, Julius enrolled at Marion College in 1955, met Bobbie Jean Wood of Atlanta, Georgia and married in 1957. After graduating from Marion College and Asbury Theological Seminary, Julius devoted his life to serve others through pastoring Wesleyan congregations in South Dakota, Michigan, and Minnesota. He served in Avon and Brookings, SD; Kalamazoo Spring Valley and Friendship Wesleyan (church plant) in Michigan; Westside Community (church plant), Prairie Oak (church plant coach), and North Point in Minnesota. He left a lasting impact on the communities he served.

Julius started jogging at age 40 and ran more miles in his lifetime than twice the circumference of the earth. Often known as "J.K.", Julius introduced himself as “not just kidding.” He was a poet, runner, and loved to tend gardens and plant trees.

Julius is survived by his wife of 67 years, Bobbie J. Strand; their children Stephen (Ruth), Keith, David, and Lisa; his grandchildren Eila, Lydia, Mary Strand, and Alen Gradascevic; many nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was the last of 39 cousins.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, February 22, at 1:00 PM at North Point Church in Coon Rapids, MN, visitation beginning at 11 am. Julius's poetry, often written for loved ones, will be shared in honor of his life and legacy.

A Memorial Service will be held Monday, February 24 10:30 am at Bittner Funeral Home in Mitchell, SD.

Gifts in memory of Julius may be made to North Point Church or World Hope International.

Julius's unwavering faith leaves a legacy of service, inspiration and love.