Edward Deraney

Edward Deraney, 84, Grand Forks, passed away Tuesday morning, March 18, 2008 at Valley Memorial Homes Eldercare Center in Grand Forks. Edward was born April 1, 1923 at home in Lawton, North Dakota to Joseph and Bede (Faid) Deraney. He attended school in Lawton, North Dakota while working on the family farm. In 1942 Ed was employed by the Great Northern Railroad through 1943 when he was drafted into the Armed Forces. After serving for two months, Edward was promoted to Corporal and specialized as an Automotive Equipment Operator in New Guinea, Philippines, Okinawa, and Japan. He received his honorable discharge in December, 1945 and returned to Grand Forks where he continued his employment with Great Northern Railroad until his retirement in 1983. He married Roberta Rusche in 1965 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Grand Forks. Edward is survived by his wife Roberta (Bobbie); daughter and son-in-law, Bonnie and Al Natividad, Santa Cruz, CA; son and daughter-in-law, Todd and Tami Deraney, Detroit Lakes, MN; son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Sue Gravelle, Roseau, MN; sons, Marty Lawrence and Kevin Halverson of Grand Forks; and daughter and son-in-law, Lori and Jim Federenko, Chandler, AZ; a sister, Cecilia Feist, Grand Forks; brothers, Philip (Mary) Deraney, George (Virginia) Deraney, both of Grand Forks; grandchildren and great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Linda Brightman; brothers, James Deraney and Arthur Deraney; and sisters, Mary Deitz, Elizabeth Ray, and Lavina Egstad.