Morgan Thomas Strand

Morgan Thomas Strand, 20, Rockford, died at 3:50 p.m. Tuesday, April 29, 2008 in his home.  Born March 6, 1988 in Rockford, son of Thomas J. Strand and Mary C. Morgan Strand.  Graduated from Boylan Central Catholic High School in 2006.  He attended Rock Valley College where he had received awards from the English Department for his writings.  Member of St. James Catholic Church. Morgan was a very talented and sensitive young man who cared about people.  He had sung in the Childrens Choir at St. James for several years and was a member of the Concert Choir at Boylan.  He played the guitar and wrote wonderful songs and poetry.   He also loved to fish and skateboard.    Survivors include his mother, Mary C. Strand, Rockford; father, Thomas J. Strand, Waldo, WI; brother, Chris Strand of Rockford; sisters, Kate Hillman  and Jessie Strand of North Aurora; paternal grandmother, Josephine Strand; maternal grandparents, Jack and Maralyn Morgan; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.   A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 3, 2008, at St. James Church, 428 N. 2nd Street, Rockford with Rev. David E. Beauvais officiating. Burial in Calvary Cemetery.  There will be a visitation from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, May 2, 2008 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Ave., Rockford with a Christian Wake Service at 7:30 p.m. Visitation also from 9: a.m. until time of service at the church on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. To