Elmer Dvirnak, 94, Killdeer, died Wednesday, September 8, 2010 at his home north of Killdeer. Interment will take place at 10 a.m., Tuesday at the Oakdale Cemetery, Killdeer, followed by a Celebration of His Life at 2 p.m., Tuesday, September 14, 2010 at Evangelical Bible Church, Dickinson with Rev. Wayne Dvirnak and Rev. Karen Dvirnak officiating. Visitation will be on Monday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson.
Elmer Dvirnak was born on December 14, 1915 in the Fayette community. He was the second son of Jack and Mary (Sahaydak) Dvirnak. He grew up on his parents’ farm and attended the Rich Loam School through the fifth grade. After the Dvirnak family moved to the Diamond C Ranch west of Killdeer, he completed his elementary education at the Oakdale School.
As a young man Elmer established his own ranch in the Killdeer Mountains. Elmer married Kathryn “Kay” Fannik of Max, on June 25, 1944. After five years, they moved a short distance east of the Killdeer Mountains, where the family home is currently located.
Elmer was active in the community, having served on the board of the Killdeer Equity Elevator before and during the transition to the Harvest States Cooperative. He also served on the local Farmers Home Administration, a former agency of the United States Department of Agriculture. He belonged to Gideons International and was active in the Killdeer Baptist Church. He not only served as church treasurer for many years but also helped to build the physical structure. In his later years, he attended Immanuel Baptist Church in Dickinson.
He farmed and ranched in the Killdeer community all his life. The Christian ministry at Camp Bentley was a high priority for him. He faithfully attended the American Baptist Men’s Annual Conferences and enjoyed preparing the facilities for the camping season. He also enjoyed recreational camping, hunting in the Killdeer Mountains and fishing in Lake Sacagawea.
Elmer is survived by his wife, Kay of Killdeer and three children: Wayne (Ingrid) Dvirnak, Elizabeth, Colo., Deborah (Monte) Greenup, Dickinson, Tim (Sally) Dvirnak, Killdeer. Other survivors include five grandchildren: Aron (Kim) Dvirnak, Parker, Colo., Jason (Kassidy) Skjervem, Minot, Kayla (Ryan) Schwartz, Grafton, Josh (Sarah) Dvirnak, Minot, Elizabeth (Kory) Krenz, Killdeer, and six great-grandchildren, Cole, Micah, Hudson, Jillian, Asher, and Trent. Also surviving him are six siblings: John, Alick, Kathryn, Alice, George, Nettie; and five step-siblings: Katie, Joe, Andrew, Alice, and Lucy. He was preceded in death by his parents; his step-mother, Lizzie; one son, Elton; one brother, Albert, and three step-siblings: Mary, Ann, and Frankie.
In lieu of flowers and plants, the family requests that memorials be given to Camp Bentley.
