Harry Strong

Our father was gifted with 96 years of life, creating many memories as a father, bumpa, brother, uncle and friend. For those of you who knew him, please share your memories on this site as it will bring the family much joy to know just how far reaching our father’s life extended. Highlights of the Life & Times of Harry P Strong Jr. (11/1924-12/2020) Born November 21, 1924 in Edina, MN to Harry & Lillian Strong, dad was the oldest of 7 children and is survived by brother, Jack Strong and sister, Joan Dieball. In 1938, his family moved to Austin, MN where he graduated from St. Augustine High School. After graduation our father joined a seminary for 2 years to study for the priesthood. Dad left the seminary and joined the Marines in 1943 and served in WWII and the Korean War. In June of 1950 our father married our mother, Nancy Larson. In the fall of 1952 he graduated from St. Paul College of Law with a Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree, was admitted to the Minnesota Bar in 1953 and practiced law from 1954-2009. Preceded in death, wife Nancy (4/1928-11/2008) and new born son Francis (1953), our father leaves his legacy of 10 children, 34 grand children and 36 great grandchildren with another due in January 2021. If you would have asked him about his family, he would have happily replied “it all started with a firm handshake.” Throughout his years, our father was very active in the community heading, chairing and participating on several committees and organizations; one of the highlights of his career was running for Congress in 1962. Growing up we knew dad had 3 loves: Golf, Baseball (Twins) and crossword puzzles. It was understood by all of us - do not disturb him during the Masters, a Twins game or before he finished his crossword puzzle on Sunday morning. He enjoyed a good joke, a good scotch and a good book. Even today if anyone in the family thinks something is very funny, the reply would be “that’s harryilarious” Where our father shined brightest was as Bumpa, Bumps or Bumpsie to all of his grand & great grandchildren. At the age of 86, he started actively using fb to keep in touch with family and friends. He never missed a birthday and one could always count on his fb birthday message “I hope all your wishes come true.” Our father was the best cheerleader responding to every post that included his grand or great grandchildren with praise, encouragement and love. Each grandchild and some of the oldest great grandchildren have fond memories of sitting in Bumpa’s chair and squealing with laughter when our father would respond “Bumpa Spanks!” Then COVID hit, which cut dad off from family visiting. So at the age of 95 he learned facetime and texting. Learning these tools along with fb kept him connected with all his family and gave him great joy. Our father is survived by his 10 children, Patty, Kathy (Winfred), Tom (Gayle), Bill(Jill), Joe (Mary), Barb (Ken), Maggie (Tony), John (Tammy) Susan, and Paul (Shelly) plus 34 grandkids, 36 great grandkids, many nieces and nephews. Dad passed away on December 8, 2020 due to complications with COVID. We thought he had it licked, but suddenly his breathing was impaired and 2 days later he died. His message is to be considerate of others, wear a mask, social distance and listen to the experts. #familystrong, #screwcovid, #nancyCUsoon Due to Covid, funeral arrangements will be announced when it is deemed safe to gather. Please leave a contact name and e-mail or street address on this post if you wish to be notified when the funeral date and location are finalized.