Ernest “Ernie” E. Klym, 82, Belfield, died on Monday, February 21, 2022 at St. Benedict’s Health Center, Dickinson. There will be a Divine Liturgy for Ernie at 10 a.m., Saturday, February 26, 2022 at St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church, Belfield with Fr. Martin Nagy as celebrant. Interment will take place at St. Josephat’s Cemetery, Gorham. Visitation will be on Friday from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson with a Rosary & Panakhyda at 6 p.m.
Ernest Edward Klym was born on September 21, 1939 to Steve Klem and Polly (Dutchak) Klem. He was raised north of Belfield and attended Fryburg grade school and high school, having graduated in 1957.
Ernie attended DSC and went on to NDSU where he received a BS in Secondary Education. Ernie taught school in Wilton, Hazelton and Belfield High School.
He was a cantor for 50 years at St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church in Belfield. He proudly passed his talent to other choir members.
Ernie began playing accordion at the age of 14 and played for weddings, birthdays and anniversaries. His love of the accordion and poker chips brought the biggest smiles to his life. Ernie had a great passion for the Ukrainian culture. He enjoyed farming, ranching and construction.
Ernie is survived by his sons, Eric and his family and Landon and his family; siblings, Alvin Klem, Fryburg and Diane (Melvin) Mayher, Dickinson; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Margie Barta; brother-in-law, Edward Barta; and niece, Sherri Knopik.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church, Belfield.
