January 25, 2012

William Klym

William G. Klym, 92, Dickinson, N.D., died Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2012, at St. Joseph’s Hospital & Health Center, Dickinson. William’s Parastas was at 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012, at St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church, Belfield, N.D., with Fr. Taras Miles as the celebrant. Interment followed at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Fairfield, N.D. Military honors were provided by the Belfield American Legion William C. Blair Post #144.
William George Klym was born on April 9, 1919, on the family farm, northeast of Gorham to his parents George and Hafia (Chorney) Klym. He attended Gorham Grade School and then graduated from Model High School in Dickinson. After two years at Dickinson State Teachers College, he taught "Dick's School" near Belfield.
On May 5, 1942, he joined the U.S. Navy and became a medic in the 3rd Marine Division. In World War II, William served on the Pacific front in the Philippines, New Zealand, Samoa, and at the close of the war in Japan. Between his two Pacific Navy tours, William received medic training in North Carolina at Duke University, where he became a lifelong Duke fan. In December 1945, William was discharged from the Navy as a Pharmacist's Mate, First Class.
William married Josephine Kanski on Jan. 22, 1946, at St. Demetrius Church in Fairfield. Later that year, he began a career as a railroad agent and telegrapher for the Great Northern in northeastern Montana and western North Dakota. Most of William’s railroad tenure was in Cartwright and Alexander where their six children were raised. While in Alexander, William also began a part-time business career as a Life & Health Insurance Agent for American Life & Casualty.
After 35 years with the railroad, William retired from Burlington Northern in 1981. He and Josephine then moved to Dickinson, where they were active in the Ukrainian Cultural Institute (UCI) and St. Demetrius Church.
William’s favorite past time was playing his violin for family and Ukrainian activities. He especially enjoyed playing it for children, who always “danced away” while he made his music. He also enjoyed “his sports,” attending all the Alexander Comets games he could, along with following his University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux and Minnesota professional teams.
Besides being a member of UCI and St. Demetrius, William was active in the American Legion and Lions Club in Alexander, and Knights of Columbus in Dickinson.
William is survived by his daughters, Donna (Donald) Mrachek, Watford City, N.D., Carol (Cyril) Krenz, Osceola, Wis., Dorothy (Daniel) Farrell, Bismarck, N.D., Cathy (Michael) Vix, Goodyear, Ariz.; his sons, David (Ellen) Klym, Cody, Wyo., Donald (Cindy) Klym, Bismarck; grandchildren, Michael Mrachek, Mark (Michelle) Mrachek, Marty (Jackie) Mrachek, Corey Krenz, Jacqueline, James and Jessica Farrell, Lucy Klym, Stuart (Megan) Klym, Josie (Eric) Stockie, Lindsay (Brock) Halvorson, Courtney Vix, Christopher, Whitney and Sarah and Amanda Klym; ten great-grandchildren; one sister, Betty Baranko, Dickinson, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Josephine; his parents; one sister, Josephine Namyniuk; and three brothers, Metro, Buster and Thomas.
If you wish to make a memorial donation, contributions to the Ukrainian Cultural Institute or St. Demetrius Church would be appreciated. www.ladburyfuneralservice.com
 

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