Sylvester “Sie” Kanski, 80, Fairfield, died Monday, June 20, 2011 at MedCenter One, Bismarck. Sie’s Parastas will be at 10 a.m., Friday, June 24, 2011 at St. Demetrius Ukrainian Catholic Church, Fairfield, with Fr. Taras Miles presiding. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Fairfield. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson, with a rosary said at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services on Friday.

Sylvester Kanski was born February 9, 1931 on the home place northeast of Fairfield in Billings County, the son of John and Polly (Paluck) Kanski. He was raised and educated in the Fairfield area, and then attended Model High School in Dickinson, graduating from there. He went on to attend Dickinson State Teachers College, earning a teaching certificate.

He spent several years teaching, and eventually returned to the home place to farm and ranch. During this time he also did seasonal work for Billings County.

Sie belonged to the Knights of Columbus and the Eagles. He enjoyed fishing, crossword puzzles, playing cards, gardening, and an occasional trip to the casino, cooking and canning, and his daily trips to 4 Corners for a piece of pie. Having no children, he took great joy in following his nieces and nephews as they participated in their various sporting events.

Sie is survived by two siblings, Betty (Marvin) Gregory, South Heart, and Steven Kanski, Bloomington, Ill.; numerous nieces and nephews; and one brother-in-law, Joe C. Armbrust. He was preceded in death by his parents; two infant siblings, Paul and Regina; and 11 siblings and their spouses, Mike Kanski, Ann (William) Dutchuk, Helen (Ed) Vicente, Mary (Joe) Evoniuk, Josephine (Matt) Schaff, Margaret (Matt) Nameniuk, Marvin (Teresa) Kanski, Kay Armbrust, Gertie (Emil) Evoniuk, Rosie (Sam) Cerkoney, and Joe (Lee) Kanski.