John William Strand

John W. Strand 1946-2021

John Strand was born to Alvin and Eunice Strand in the small town of Forest City, Iowa. In his youth, he played baseball, sang in choirs, was an Iowa Boy’s State delegate, and Eagle Scout. He was fond of telling stories about his small-town adventures with his three brothers.

John earned a bachelor’s degree in history before pursuing a Master of Divinity degree from Luther Seminary. During his seminary internship at South Dakota State University, he met Angie. He often said it was love at first sight. Happily, she was equally as smitten and they enjoyed 51 years of married life together complementing each other’s lives and in turn providing a wonderful example of a warm, encouraging, and supportive marriage that enriched those who knew them.

After ordination, John served Good Hope Lutheran in Gifford Idaho, and was the summer program director at Lutherhaven Bible Camp in Coeur d’Alene. Both children, Jennifer and Jonathan, were born during this time before the family moved to Wasilla, Alaska where John started the mission church Good Shepherd Lutheran. Ten years later, John accepted a call to Zion Lutheran Church in Kent, Washington where he served as senior pastor for 23 years. He was steadfast in sharing the importance of God’s grace, forgiveness, and love.

Throughout his life and into retirement John enjoyed working on building projects fixing things around his home, the homes of family and friends, and at the church. He patiently taught the next two generations of kids and grandkids how to fix, tinker,
troubleshoot, and build sheds, cupolas, swing sets, bunk beds, picture frames, decks, and whimsical birdhouses. He and Angie enjoyed taking long drives to enjoy the scenery, explore small towns, and visit friends and family.

Always the educator, counselor, and shepherd John maintained his pastoral outlook through a rapid health decline from pancreatic cancer.

John is survived by his wife Angie, two children, seven grandchildren, three brothers, several nieces and nephews, and countless friends and parishioners who were blessed by his gifts.


Arrangements are entrusted to the Cook Family Funeral Home of Bainbridge Island, WA.