Cecil (Cy) C Strang

Cecil (Cy) Claude Strang, aged 88, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at his home

April 22 nd , 2025, while receiving hospice care.

Cy was born December 29 th , 1936 in Brainerd, MN to Eldred and Helen (Hardy) Strang. He

attended elementary school in Barrows, Jr and Sr High in Brainerd. As a teenager He ventured

out on his own to Minneapolis, staying with a friend until he joined the Army, serving for a time

in Germany.

When Cy returned to the US, He married his high school sweetheart, Joyce M Knafla, April 20 th ,

1957 and together they moved east where he was stationed at Fort Lee Virginia Army Base.

Joyce also worked on base and after Cy was honorably discharged they moved back to

Brainerd, where Cy went to work at Northwest Paper Company (later to become Potlatch) for 43

years and Joyce stayed home to raise their 2 children.

Cy never met a motor he didn’t like, couldn’t fix, polish or drive, whether it was in a snowmobile,

motorcycle, car or truck, owning at least 30 different vehicles in his lifetime. Being fond of fishing

early in life; he and Joyce took many fishing trips to Canada with friends. Deer hunting took

place on property he and a friend purchased for just that. And monthly Poker Nights were rarely

missed in almost 40 years.

Cy is survived by his wife of 68 years, Joyce; his daughter Cindy (Scott) Lane, Anchorage, AK;

son Todd (Sarah Osterhus) Strang, Brainerd; grandson Michael (Cindy) Strang, Nikiski, AK;

Sister Marlyn Wedan, Nisswa; Brother Arnold (Karen) Strang, Pequot Lakes; Sister-in-Law

Randy Matsen, Walker; and several Nieces, Nephews and Cousins.

Cy’s family wishes to send a special Thank You to the Crosby Hospice Care Team and Sarah

for their wonderful care of Cy during his last months.

A Celebration of Life for Cy will take place at Halverson-Taylor Life Event Center on Saturday,

May 17th, 2025, at 11:00am.

Caring for Cy and his family

Halvorson Taylor Funeral Home

Brainerd