Ernest John De Clercq was born on January 7, 1924 to Hector and Mary De Clecrq in New Salem, North Dakota; he passed away on February 17, 2014 in Helena. Ernie joined the US Army in March of 1943 and served in World War II until 1945. On August 4, 1949, he married his next door neighbor, Mildred Marion Bertsch in Hebron, North Dakota where he worked as a mechanic and Mildred taught school. In 1950 he rejoined the Air Force to serve in the Korean conflict .When he got out of the service, he moved to Missoula. They welcomed their daughter Debbie in November of 1951. In Missoula, Ernie went to work for Davis Brothers’ Pharmaceutical Warehouse where he worked as the Operations Director until he retired in 1984. In 1994 Ernie and Millie moved to Helena to be near their grand-daughter. Ernie enjoyed cabinet work and building houses. He and Millie built four houses in their spare time.
Ernie is survived by his widow Millie, his daughter Debbie (Randy) Williams of Helena, and his granddaughter Lacy (Chris) Burpee of Chicago and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his six sisters and one brother: Jesse DeClercq, Esther Richter, Ruby Gartner, Maybelle Fehr, Laura Pfeiger, Irma Pigors and Gloria Schroeder.
A graveside service with military honors will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, February 20, 2014 at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Ft. Harrison. The family invites you to join them at a social gathering in remembrance of Ernie at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Avenue following the graveside service. Memorials in Ernie’s name are suggested to the Liberty House, P.O. Box 81 Fort Harrison, Montana 59636-0081. This house provides overnight housing to veterans and their families when they are at the hospital for treatment. To offer a condolence to the family or share a memory of Ernie, please visit below.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
2:00 p.m.
Thursday February 20, 2014
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Row
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Social Gathering
Immediately following the graveside service
Thursday February 20, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
2:00 p.m.
Thursday February 20, 2014
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Row
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Social Gathering
Immediately following the graveside service
Thursday February 20, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
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Butch Senne says
Ernest was my uncle. Over my growing years I worked for my uncle on occasion. To this date I remember two qualities in him that I’ve always admired. He was not only the hardest worker I’ve ever known , he is also probably the brightest man I’ve ever known. Just my observation growing up.
Donna says
I agree with my brother. Ernest was the hardest worker I’ve ever known and had the highest integrity, as most poeple of that generation had. He took great pride in his work and the things he made were made to
perfection. He had a twinkle in his eye that I’ll always remember. God bless you, Ernest. You are missed and will always be loved.
Sharon Doty, Enkong says
I am very sad for your loss. Please accept my best wishes to your family.
Tom and Mary Ellen Collins says
It was an honor to meet Lacy’s Grandfather at her wedding to our grandson, Chris in Chicago. I know Lacy wishes he could have lived to meet their firstborn child, but it was not to be. Our hearts go out to all of you..
Mary Ellen and Tom Collins