He was born in Carlton, MN on June 29, 1943, to Raymond and Anna (McCuskey) Strand. He moved to Milwaukee and married Elizabeth "Betty" Kratky on January 29, 1966, and was blessed with nearly 58 years together. Ray owned, My Place, a Tavern in Milwaukee for several years and later worked in the auto industry and exterior home remodeling industry. In 2014, Ray and Betty retired to Florida, from New Berlin, WI, where he enjoyed the sun, his flower gardens, warm winters, golfing, country club life and watching the resident alligator in the pond across the street.

Ray is survived by, his sister, Ruth Schwendeman, Waupaca, WI, brother, Roger (Linda) Strand Appleton, WI, brother-in-law, Doug (Teri) Kratky, Fort Atkinson, WI, brother-in-law, Bernard(Miu Leung) Kratky, Vancouver, WA, sister-in-law, Diane (Don) MacDonald, Madison, WI, brother-in-law, Dave Wieland, River Falls, WI; along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Betty (2023),his father (1994), his mother (2017), sister Rita Wieland, nephew Sammy Schwendeman.

Services will be held on May 9, 2025. Ray will be laid to rest next to his wife Betty of 57 years, at St Mary's Help of Christians Catholic Church of Sullivan WI at 10:30 am.  There will be a celebration of life to follow, from 1-5 pm at Graingers Sports Pub and Grill, 3400 W Loomis Rd, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53221, United States.

A special thank you to Debra Hardt and Ray's sister Ruth Schwendeman for caring for Ray in his final days.