Jeffrey “Jeff” Carl Kilde, 55, of Elizabeth, died peacefully at his home on Saturday, May 25, 2013.
He was born on August 9, 1957, in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, the son of Raymond and Margie (Ruud) Kilde. He graduated from Fergus Falls Senior High in 1976.
On November 18, 1978 he married the true love of his life, Colette Kay Harthun at Sacred Heart Church in Dent, MN. On March 18, 1979 Jeff and Colette welcomed their only child, Ryon Benjamin Kilde.
Jeff and Colette resided in Fergus Falls, MN, until moving to Elizabeth, MN, in 2002.
He was employed by Medallion Kitchens, H & R Construction, Barclay Incorporated, Norcon Hardwoods Division, and Northern Contours. Jeff most recently worked as Manager of the Norcon Hardwoods Division and as a line supervisor for Northern Contours.
Jeff served as a Councilman in Elizabeth, Minnesota. He was a member of the Elizabeth Lions and of the Arabian Enthusiasts. He was a life-long member of Augustana Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls, where he was baptized and confirmed. Jeff was currently serving on the Augustana Lutheran Church Council.
Jeff enjoyed being outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. He was a Minnesota Vikings and Twins fan. He spent many weekends antiquing with his family and was very proud of his Santa collection. Jeff was a very talented wood worker and a jack of all trades. He was always helping others and was a listening ear and a safe place to come for advice.
Preceding him in death were his father, Raymond Kilde; his mother-in-law, Irene “Sally” Harthun; his stepfather, John “Jack” Brush; and his brother-in-law, Marvin Harthun. Jeff has also been reunited with many special canine companions that went before him.
Jeff is survived by his wife, Colette, of Elizabeth; his son and daughter-in-law Ryon and Laurel (Russell) Kilde of Fergus Falls; his mother Margie Kilde-Brush of Fergus Falls; his father-in-law Ralph “Pete” Harthun of Dent; his sisters: Rae (Terry) Burns of Barrett, Sally (Tim) Englehart of Fergus Falls, and Brenda (Dewey) Umlauf of Wahpeton; his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Marian (David) Thompson of Moorhead, Peggy (Greg) Meyer of Dent, Doug (Judy) Harthun of New York Mills, Barb (Mrs. Marvin) Harthun of Underwood, and Julie (Gaylon) Bakken of Fergus Falls; step-siblings: Jackie Brush (Steve) Kukane of Haverhill MA, and Roger (Rita) Anderson of Erhard; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, co-workers, and dear friends that each held a special place in Jeff’s heart.
Memorial Service: 10 a.m. Friday, May 31, 2013 at Augustana Lutheran Church, Fergus Falls
Clergy: Reverend Steve Wold
Interment will be at a later date at Bethlehem Cemetery, Fergus Falls, MN
Arrangements: Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls, MN.