The funeral service for Ella Ivaida Strand of Albert Lea , formerly of New Richland, Will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 22, at Trinity Lutheran Church, New Richland. The Rev. Paul Andree will officiate.

Interment will be in the St. Olaf Cemetery, New Richland. Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, at Friedrich Funeral Home, New Richland and one hour before service at the church.

Ella died Monday, April 19, 2004, at the Albert Lea Medical Center. She was 97 years old.

Ella was born in New Richland on Nov. 18, 1906, the daughter of Edward and Randi (Fingerson) Berg.

She attended school at District 31. Ella had been a resident of New Richland all her life.

Ella had been a member of Trinity Lutheran Church.

She was baptized

and later confirmed on April 17, 1921, at LeSueur River Lutheran Church, New Richland.

She was married to Arthur Strand on January 21, 1925, in New Richland. Ella had been an active member of the church circle.

Ella was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother and enjoyed being with her family. She also enjoyed needlework, gardening and watching Minnesota Twins baseball.

Ella is survived by her children: Dale (Kathleen) Strand of Sarasota, Fla., Elaine (Casper) Munson of Albert Lea, LaVerne (Shirley) Strand of Albert Lea, and LaJune (Dwayne) Hagen of Geneva; 25 grandchildren; 47 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Ruth Strand of Albert Lea; sister-in-law, Eleanor Berg of Albert Lea; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ella was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Arthur, in 1975; son, Lyle Strand, in 2002; three brothers: Raymond, Morris and Oscar Berg; and two sisters: Minnie Gulbrandson and Gladys Romer.