Bernard Strand was born July 10, 1921 in Bemidji to Burnt and Mabel (Sather) Strand. Grew up in Blackduck. During his high school years, he worked at the Wolden Service Station in Blackduck. He served during WWII. He married Hilda Penning in Murdock in 1947. They returned to East Bemidji, where he went to work for the Northern Pacific railroad as a brakeman and was promoted in 1952 to conductor. He was employed by the railroad for the next 36 years. In September 1968, he and George Burke took the last passenger train out of Bemidji. After retirement he and Penny traveled extensively. He was a member of the American Legion, Bemidji Elks and Bemidji Lions Club. Died July 18, 2013.
Exploring the Rich History of the Bemidji Area