Kathleen "Katie" Broten

Kathleen “Katie” Mary Strand was born the first of a set of twins, with Kurt Strand, on April 15, 1969 in Alexandria, MN to Cecil and Romayne (Anderson) Strand. As a child, she enjoyed playing softball and the responsibilities that came along with horse ownership. During high school Katie worked at “The Rec”, an arcade in the local mall, before graduating from Jefferson Senior High School in 1987. Katie eventually found herself a student at Rasmussen College and graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Medical Assistance before working as a surgical counselor at North Suburban Eye Specialists in Coon Rapids.

Katie was a kind, happy-go-lucky woman with a huge personality and zest for life. She was an entertainer, always laughing and smiling, and quick to take on a new adventure. Katie had a knack for cooking and was a true “foodie”—always being up for going out to try the latest restaurants. She even celebrated her entire birthday month with near daily trips out for dinner. Among other things, Katie enjoyed cards and game nights with her group of friends. Having a taste for the finer things in life, she loved self-care and being pampered; her nails were always neatly manicured, she relished massages, and her purse and shoe fetish always kept her looking put-together. Katie was opinionated, but perhaps her most well-known opinion was that the Minnesota Vikings were number 1 in her heart and the NFL. A well-known superfan, Katie even had a tattoo dedicated to her beloved Vikings as she was attempting to gain entrance to the superfan club known as the “Vikings World Order.”

On Monday, August 19th, 2019 at the age of 50, Katie passed away unexpectedly at her home in Coon Rapids. She is preceded in death by her father, Cecil Strand, and twin brother, Kurt Strand.

Katie is survived by her mother, Romayne “Yedda” Strand; brother, John (Cathy) Strand; sister, Cheryl Strand; sister-in-law and wife of Kurt, Becky Strand; nieces, Brooke, Madison, and Olivia Strand, and Leah (Travis) Schultz; nephews, Joshua (Denisa) Hancock and Caleb (significant other Dixie Runberg) Hancock; 8 grandnieces and nephews, and beloved cat, Sneezy.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 24th at 10 AM at Grand Arbor in Alexandria with visitation one hour prior. In true Katie fashion, please come dressed in your favorite Vikings attire and freshly done nails, with stories to share of her memory.