Ervin Klein

Ervin E. Klein was born October 6, 1926 in Mott, ND to the late Edward, Sr. and Louisa (Luithle) Klein.

Ervin was raised on the family farm near Willa, ND.  He was baptized and confirmed at Newburg Church, rural Hettinger County that his father, Edward was instrumental in building.

Ervin attended Highland Country School, graduated from Mott High School 1 June 1945. He also attended 1 year at Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, majoring in Mathematics. Ervin enlisted in the U.S. Army 24 September 1946 and 5 weeks later was sent to Japan as part of the Occupational Forces.  Ervin served as a Truck Driver Light near Kumamoto, Japan with Company I of the 21^st Infantry Regiment.  He drove a ¼ ton Willys jeep to furnish transportation for the company commander, Captain Matthews, on official business.  He performed daily series of maintenance services to keep vehicles operating with maximum efficiency.  His experience included night convoy driving over varied roads.  Ervin was Honorably Discharged 27 January 1948.  He boarded the S.S. Pamona to go to Japan and his return to the U.S. was on the General Weigel.  Ervin shared that he remembered crossing under the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge on 21 January 1948.

Ervin married Lois Wentz on July 31, 1948.  Their daughter, Patricia (Pat / Patsy) was born May 6, 1951 and son, Bruce was born October 15, 1954.  Ervin married Elizabeth Walker on December 5, 1984.  Their daughter, Debra (Deb) was born November 28, 1967.

In 1955, Ervin and Lois moved to their farm north of Lemmon, SD.  The house on that farmstead was expanded and remodeled by Ervin.  He hand dug the basement under the expanded part of the house.

The majority of Ervin's life was spent farming where he truly enjoyed making and seeing things grow.  Later in life he carried that love into his gardening, especially growing tomatoes and strawberries.  In order to make ends meet, Ervin also worked off the farm as Service Manger for Hersrud Implement in Lemmon, SD and later for Stuber - Jensen Implement in Bowman.  Ervin's last civilian employment was with Sunset Care as a Maintenance man.  Ervin was known as "Mr. Fix-It Man" and was always complimented on his ability and willingness to fix whatever needed to be fixed and to help out wherever needed.

Ervin's commitment to faith was evident in his role as a Deacon and Sunday School Teacher at Calvary Lutheran Church in Lemmon.  Ervin's confidence in his faith was expressed best when he said to his Palliative Care Doctor "I have had a good life and my Father will care for me".

Ervin entered eternal life on April 8^th, under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley, at his daughter Pat's home in Fargo.  Ervin had been diagnosed with small cell lung cancer in January 2010.

Grateful for sharing in his life, is his immediate family - daughter, Pat Weber, Fargo, ND; son, Bruce Klein, Scranton, ND; daughter, Deb (Kevin) Johnson, San Marcos, CA; grandchildren, Leah (Kelly) Lojka, Cheyenne, WY; Cody Klein, Scranton, ND; Heather Beitelspacher, Gillette, WY; Callan, Riley, and Luke Johnson, San Marcos, CA; great granddaughter, Kalea Lojka, Cheyenne, WY; sister, Edna Guenther, Staples, MN; and companion dogs, Skoshie and Samantha.

Ervin was preceded in death by his parents; brothers - Edward, Jake, John, Richard, Benjamin, Edmund, Marvin, and Albert; sisters Bertha, Lydia, and Katherine; son-in-law, Norm Weber; and grandson, Brady Johnson. 

The Communion of Saints, Pray for us.