ERNEST ?ERNIE? VAN KLEI, age 87, of Adrian, died Monday, February 16, 2009, at the Sanford Luverne Hospital. He was born September 17, 1921, in Bigelow, to Dennis and Maggie (Elgersma) Van Klei. He attended country school in rural Iona. Ernie married Leonarda F. Thraen on November 24, 1941, in Iona. After their marriage, the couple farmed with Ernies parents southwest of Iona. In 1948, they began farming near Adrian. They retired in 1987. Ernie served his country in the United States Army from March of 1945 to October of 1946. He was a member of St. Adrian Catholic Church. He enjoyed polka music, dancing & playing his accordion. Ernie is survived by his wife, Leonarda Van Klei, rural Adrian; son and daughter-in-law, LeRoy & Sue Van Klei, rural Adrian; daughter and son-in-law, Marcia & LeWayne Kopplow, rural Adrian; five grandchildren, Kristi (Mike) Kopplow-Dixon, Jeff (Dawn) Kopplow, Jared Kopplow, Amy Ely, Angi (Mike) Gangestad; seven great grandchildren, Brendon, Jordin & Logan Kopplow, Jaylee Ely, Reagan Gangestad and Michael & Miles Dixon; and a sister-n-law, Lorraine Van Klei, Slayton. He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Jason Ernest Kopplow; grandson-in-law, Nick Mann; two brothers, Arie & Fonnie Van Klei; and three sisters, Josie Bjerke, Hattie Muck & Tillie Bartholamous.