Caroline H. Strand Obituary (1921 - 2018)

Caroline Dietrich Reekstin Strand died on December 16, 2018 at the age of 97. She leaves behind a large family and numerous friends who are the grateful beneficiaries of her generosity of spirit, good humor, and love. She was born September 5, 1921 to Joseph and Leona (Burdick) Dietrich in Flint, Michigan. She was preceded in death by her husband, 1st Lt. Theodore W. Reekstin, bombardier, USAF, killed in World War II; her husband of over 50 years, Harry S. E. Strand; her son Joseph Dietrich Strand; her parents; and her brother Arthur Joseph Dietrich. Caroline graduated from St. Matthews high school in 1939. She lived in Flint until 1955 when she moved with her family to Farmington Hills, MI where she lived until her husband's retirement and moved to Austin, TX in 1981. There she found much enjoyment participating in her son's businesses, Strand Brother's and Stan's, where she was active in the everyday running of the business and making commercials. She is known in Austin for her commercial tag line: "They're such nice boys." Caroline was affectionately referred to as "Mom" by her co-workers, a term which she found flattering and endearing. Fiercely independent and active, she worked right up until her accidental fall on July 19, 2018. Her boundless love for family, giving nature, positive attitude, energy, and laughter are memorable. She was devoted to church and believed in the power of prayer. She truly felt that God gave her a long life to pray for her nine children. Valuing service to others, Caroline engaged in volunteer work at Caritas Pantry, Marywood, and St. Theresa's. She was an excellent cook and loved to make large family dinners in which her children's friends were always welcome. She passed on her love of good food and cooking to all her children. Her lifelong friendship of over 70 years with Alice Ann Madden McCall was a most enduring and loyal friendship. They shared their lives from the 3rd grade at St. Matthews school until Alice Ann's death in 2002. She is survived by four daughters, Alice Reekstin Jacobs and husband Roger of South Bend, IN; Elizabeth Strand and husband David Kettler of Buda, TX; Ann Strand Mease and husband Philip of Williamsburg, VA; and Catherine Strand Bennett of Austin, Texas. Also surviving are four sons of Austin, TX: Thomas Strand and wife Carolyn; Christopher Strand; Matthew Strand; and John Strand and husband Raimund Schuller. Twelve grandchildren survive--Stephen Jacobs; Magdalene Jacobs Snyder; Sarah Jacobs Wurtz; Caroline, Peter, Karl, and Monika Strand; Alex and Eric Mease; and Nicholas, Joseph, and Daniel Bennett. Also surviving are twelve great grandchildren. She was well loved and will be truly missed. The family would like to extend their appreciation and thanks to Guiding Hospice and Southern Hospitality Home for their care and compassion. They would also like to acknowledge Laura Martin for her loving care and devotion to Caroline. A funeral mass will be held at St. Theresa Catholic Church located at 4311 Small Dr., Austin, TX 78731 on Friday, December 21 at 1:00. Burial will follow at Austin Memorial Park Cemetery. A reception at St. Theresa's Elmer Hall will take place at 2:45 following the burial. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a contribution in Caroline's memory may do so to the St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Theresa Catholic Church or the charity of your choice. To plant a tree in memory of Caroline H. Strand, please visit our Tribute Store.