Arthur "Art" Gordon Strand

Arthur “Art” G. Strand, age 60, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 30, 2026, at Gundersen Hospital surrounded by all his children and his wife, Susan, in La Crosse, WI.

He was born on October 20, 1965, to Charlotte L. Yttri and Gordon T. Strand. Art attended De Soto High School. He was an athlete in those days, winning every powerlifting competition he entered, playing football under Coach Schulz and winning a state championship his senior year, and making state appearances in Track and Field for discus.

February 14, 1983, was the beginning of Art and Sue Strasser’s love story, with Sue asking Art for their first date. On the second date, they had picked out their wedding date of August 3, 1985. Their love blossomed to marriage and the twins arrived soon after. They welcomed three more children and eventually many grandchildren.

Family was Art’s number one priority. He chose to take over the family farm and it allowed him the flexibility to be there for anyone at anytime. He enjoyed taking his kids to all their sporting events from many little league games to high school events and the collegiate level too. After the kids were grown and started families of their own Art fully embraced the role of ‘Grandpa’. We could always count on him to be available for last minute daycare, sporadic school pick up or drop off, or impromptu sleepovers. He tremendously enjoyed quality time with his grandkids and sharing his love of hunting and the outdoors!

He put time, care, and heart into the community – through his years driving bus, his involvement in the wrestling club, the way he shared his love of archery through the Retreat Sportsman’s Club, and so much more. He was a good neighbor to so many, showing up to neighborhood crises, participating in benefits for friends and neighbors, willing to lend a hand with simple tasks like offering to drive to doctor appointments, helping with chores or stoking a wood stove, he was there.

Art and Sue’s marriage held a special love for one another. Their love, respect, laughter, and ease between the two of them showed others what a deep and loving marriage looked like. Art had such admiration for Sue - he proclaimed his love for her out loud their entire 40 years of marriage. Art and Sue enjoyed competing in archery shoots from local competitions to national events all over from the tristate region, to Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, and Alabama. Art’s first archery competition was at La Crosse, WI at Riverfest in the late ‘80s. He shot a Browning Magnum Plus compound bow with a piece small piece of rebar used for a stabilizer. Each team included a Professional Archer with an Amateur Archer. After wining the competition, Art was offered to come shoot professionally with his Professional partner. Being a young father with little ones depending on him he turned it down. Art had made quite the impression on the archery community. We are seeing the impact he had through all the love, support, and stories that have been shared in these recent days.

Art is survived by his wife, Susan Strand; children and grandchildren: Kyle (Crystal, Brayden, and Dakota) Strand, Kitty (Troy, Kellyn, and Emma) Clements, Amber (Chad, Brodey, and Harvey) Parker, Felicia (Anthony, Bronson, and Breleigh) Wangen, Quinten (Keely, Kyra, Bowen, and Baby Girl) Strand; mother-In-law, Sharon B. Strasser; his four sisters: Susan (Dale) Dennison, Sandy (Randy) Elliott, Sara (Reuben) Hanson, and Angie Buckles; and so many more friends and family.

We will remember him for his jolly chuckle, always being able to tell a good story, and the jokes he would tell to make us laugh.

Thank you to Robert Nigh and Wheatland First Responders, Vernon Health Emergency Department, and Gundersen’s Neuroscience Department staff with his last moments. An extended thank you to our archery community we have gotten to know these past few years. Doug, Danny, and Seth thanks for encouraging him to get back out and staying the course.

In lieu of formal services, Arthur’s family is pursuing his final wishes to join us in throwing “One-Helluva Party” on February 14, 2026, at Retreat Sportsman’s’ Club from 6 pm- 10 pm. Retreat Sportsman Club, E3460 County Rd N, DeSoto, WI 54624.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Susan Strand Family to assist with final expenses.

Roth Family Cremation Center and Funeral Services is assisting the family.