In the early morning hours of Sunday, November 3, 2013, our mom, Olga Burian, left this earth to enter eternal rest, with family members by her side, at Southwest Healthcare Nursing Home in Bowman. Rosary and a time of sharing will be held Thursday, at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson at 7p.m., with Deacon Leonard Kordonowy presiding. The funeral Parastas will be held Friday, November 8, 2013, at 10 a.m. at St. Demetrius Ukrainian Catholic Church, north of Belfield. Burial will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Ladbury Funeral Service, and will continue on Friday one hour prior to services at the church.
Olga Grosulak was born on March 25, 1922 in Belfield, to Dmytro and Wasylina “Lena” (Prociw) Grosulak. She attended rural school and graduated from Belfield High School in 1941. Following graduation, she attended two quarters at Dickinson State Teachers College. Her college career was cut short when a special young man, Laudie Burian, came calling her name on horseback. On May 26, 1942, Laudie and Olga were united in marriage at St. Demetrius Ukrainian Catholic Church. They spent their lives working hard together on the family farm in the Manning area.
Olga was involved in many activities, including treasurer of Indian Springs School Dist., a 4-H Leader for 14 years, Billings County Farmer’s Union, Community Club, U.C. I., the Silver Haired Legislature, and the Billings County Historical Society. Olga played a large part in the planning and creation of the largest quilt in the world, the North Dakota Centennial Quilt.
Olga had a profound passion for her Ukrainian heritage. She was diligent in sewing and embroidering costumes for the dancers and other adults that were in need of Ukrainian attire. Olga also displayed this passion in her meticulous work piecing and sewing of many Ukrainian quilts, made for the U.C.I. Festival raffles. Because of her loyalty to her heritage, Olga was inducted into the Ukrainian Hall of Fame in October 1994. Olga’s deep love for her husband, as well as her heritage, was demonstrated by her many hours of support and devotion to Laudie and his love for music. She helped prepare him for and traveled with him to many dances, be it weddings, anniversaries, or UCI events.
Over the years, she made multiple quilts for family members, supplied the entire community with her hand-made potholders, embroidery and numerous crocheted items. All of these items and more were given to her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, of whom she loved and cherished. Not only was she gifted with a needle and thread, but she loved to bake delicious bread, buns, cookies and pastries. At her house, visitors never went away hungry, as she always had something in the freezer for lunch or a treat. After an enjoyable visit, the guests often would leave, taking home a goodie bag of her delicacies. Olga also had a green thumb which was displayed in her home with green plants, beautiful flowers, and bountiful gardens from which she preserved many foods. Olga always enjoyed raising various types of poultry over the years.
Olga dearly loved her church, St. Demetrius, and was always helping out wherever and whenever she was needed. She served on the ladies committee, cleaned, prepared food for church dinners, and donated items for church raffles. Many hours were spent embroidering altar cloths. She was truly a model member of a church community. Olga’s faith was deep, which was strongly displayed while in her presence. Prayers were constantly being offered up for her family, many friends and whoever was in need of prayer. Visitors would often find her with rosary in hand or next to her chair.
Olga is survived by her three daughters and one son: Ardyce Palaniuk, Dickinson; Maynard and Michele (Fugere) Burian, Bismarck; Patti and Harlan Ingman, Killdeer; Connie and Curt Krinke, Bowman. She is survived by 12 grandchildren and 2 step-grandchildren: Carol (Donald) Basaraba, Fairfield; Craig Palaniuk, Carla (Jody) Arthaud, Joelene (Cory) Haller, Dickinson; Jerry Palaniuk, Hettinger; Jeff (Diana) Burian, Princeton, La.; Renata (Jeremy) Ferguson, Indio, Calif.; Travis (Kristen) Burian, Bozeman, Mont.; Jared (Patti) Burian, Beach; Trevor Burian, on the family farm, Manning; Dominic Heck, Desmond (Katrina) Heck; Parker Krinke, Bowman; and Arianna Krinke, Bismarck. She is survived by 16 great-grandchildren: Doug, David, Darren and Danielle Basaraba, Alicia Palaniuk, Mariah Beehler, Kendra Palaniuk, Stephanie and Andy Arthaud, Isabelle, Aspen and Zoe Haller, Kinley, Landon, and Chase Burian and Ryden Heck. Also surviving is her sister, Margie Burian, Manning; and sisters-in-law, Marge Grosulak, Jamestown; and Marge Grosulak, Belfield; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Olga was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Laudie; son, Ronald Burian; granddaughter, Demarus Heck; great-grandson, Zachary Arthaud; son-in-law, Eugene Roy Palaniuk; nine siblings: Bill, Peter, Mike, Nick, John, Anna, and Elizabeth Grosulak; Mary Kane and Josephine Chruszch.
It was Olga’s wish that memorial gifts, in her honor, will be given to St. Demetrius Ukrainian Catholic Church, Belfield, ND.
