Geraldine “Geri” Mae Strand passed away following a long illness surrounded by her family on April 24 in Mount Vernon, Wash.

Geri was born Nov. 28, 1927, to Howard J. and Myrtle I. Caldwell of Coggon, Iowa. She attended the University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, studying early childhood education.

In April 1947, Geri and Carleton D. Strand were married at the United Methodist Church in Marion, Iowa, and began a 35-year partnership in farming, family and real estate sales.

Her interest in domestic and international travel, combined with her talent for art and photography, enriched her years as tour director, covering Arizona, California, Colorado and Hawaii, among others.

She is survived by son Gary Strand (Edie) of Springville, lowa; daughter Cyndi Toms of Oak Harbor; and daughter Coni Kreisch (Ken) of Lake St. Louis, Mo. Her legacy includes five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Caroline Smith of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. June 17 at Sunnyside Cemetery, Coupeville, with Pastor David G. Lura officiating. Focusing on her joy of gardening and support for youth education, in lieu of flowers, the family has established a memorial fund with the Boys and Girls Club of Oak Harbor.

Services are entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home. To share messages or condolences, please visit Geri’s Book of Memories page on the funeral home website at www.wallin funeralhome.com