Beryl M. Satrang

Jan. 14, 1922-July 15, 2008

Beryl M. Satrang, 86, of Rugby, ND, formerly of Rolette, ND, died on Tuesday, July 15, 2008, at Heart of America Medical Center of Rugby.

Funeral Services for Beryl will be held on Friday, July 18, 2008, at 4 p.m. at Valle Lutheran Church, Rolette, with Rev. Clarence Stanley officiating. Burial will be at a later date in the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan, ND.

Friends may call at the Valle Lutheran Church on Friday from 1 p.m. until time of service.

Beryl Mary Graham was born on January 14, 1922, in Sydney, Australia, the daughter of Charlton and Isabella (Smith) Graham. She married Clarence Alfred Satrang on July 14, 1946, while he was stationed in Sydney during World War II. Beryl made a life changing journey on April 12, 1946, when she boarded the David C. Shanks in Sydney Harbor. Beryl joined over 400 women who fell in love with and married American soldiers during World War II.

Life in the Turtle Mountains was quite different than that in the big city of Sydney, Australia. But, Beryl wasn't about to let on. She learned how to hang laundry even in sub-zero temperatures. She learned how to prepare meals she had never eaten much less prepared while translating her "metric" measurements to American measurements.

Beryl and Alfred moved to Rolette in 1947 and together they raised three children.

Beryl began working in the housekeeping department of Rolette Hospital in 1963 and was a dedicated employee for over 20 years. That turned out to be more than just a job Beryl built lifelong friendships. They always found something to celebrate together; birthdays (some even included costumes), first days of work, last days of work, weddings, baby showers and more. And, then there were the "coffee parties." Beryl liked to show her Aussie flare for entertaining with her china, silver service sets, pavolovas, trifles and cakes.

Beryl is survived by her husband of 63 years, C. Alfred Satrang, Rugby; children, Corrine Satrang, Grafton, ND, James (Sherry) Satrang, of West Virginia, and Kent (Jolene) Satrang, Fargo; seven grandchildren; three stepgrandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren; sister, Norma (Jim) Russell, Sydney, Australia; several nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her parents, three sisters and one brother.

Friends may sign the online register book and share memories at (www.gilbertson funeralhome.com).

(Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake)