Colette Kay Kilde

Colette Kay Kilde, 54, of Fergus Falls, formerly of Elizabeth, died peacefully at her home on Sunday, February 9, 2014, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

She was born on October 24, 1959, in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, the daughter of Ralph (Pete) and Irene (Sally) (Fiedler) Harthun. She attended Country School and graduated from Perham High School in 1978. She was baptized at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Fergus Falls and confirmed at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dent.

On November 18, 1978 she married the true love of her life, Jeffrey Carl Kilde, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dent, Minnesota. On March 18, 1979, Colette and Jeff welcomed their only child, Ryon Benjamin Kilde. Colette was a proud god-mother to Eric Meyer of Dent, Timothy Thompson of Ashby, Benjamin Bakken of Fergus Falls, and Jacey Hendrickx of Breckenridge.

Colette and Jeff resided in Fergus Falls until moving to Elizabeth, Minnesota in 2002. Colette moved back to Fergus Falls in June of 2013 and enjoyed her time living at the Village Circle Apartments and making many new friends.

She was employed by Medallion Kitchens, The Chopping Block, Collector’s Corner, and Archie’s. Colette also owned and operated Renewed Reflections and District 1399 Antiques and Collectibles.

Colette was a member of Elizabeth Lions and was active in the choirs at Augustana Lutheran Church of Fergus Falls, St. Elizabeth Catholic Church of Elizabeth, and Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church of Fergus Falls. Many Sundays she would travel from one church for an early service of cantering or singing with the choir, to a later service to be part of their choir activities. Colette had a beautiful voice and enjoyed the opportunity to sing at many special events, weddings, and funerals. Singing for others was her passion.

Colette enjoyed going to rummage sales, visiting thrift stores, and refinishing furniture. She had a passion for collecting antiques, especially angel and dog figurines. She was both a talented cook and baker and liked to make food for large gatherings of friends and family. Colette also enjoyed fishing with Jeff.

She was a true animal lover. Colette had many dogs that were very special to her over the years, but more recently she became passionate about her cats. Colette’s cat, Stash, was a true companion to her and brought her much happiness.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Jeff Kilde; mother, Irene (Sally) Harthun; brother, Marvin Harthun; father-in-law, Raymond Kilde; and step-father-in-law, John “Jack” Brush.

Colette is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Ryon and Laurel (Russell) Kilde of Fergus Falls; father Ralph (Pete) Harthun of Dent; mother-in-law, Margie Kilde-Brush of Fergus Falls; siblings, Marian (David) Thompson of Moorhead, Peggy (Greg) Meyer of Dent, Doug (Judy) Harthun of New York Mills, Barb (Marvin) Harthun of Underwood, and Julie (Gaylon) Bakken of Fergus Falls; sisters-in-law, Rae (Terry) Burns of Barrett, Sally (Tim) Englehart of Fergus Falls, and Brenda (Dewey) Umlauf of Wahpeton; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends that each held a special place in Colette’s heart.