Audrey Elaine Kilen, 80

Audrey Elaine Kilen, 80, of Greenbush, MN, passed away from a heart attack on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at her residence.

Visitation was on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, from 5 to 7 PM with a Prayer Service at 6:30 PM at Johnson Funeral Service, Thief River Falls, MN and one hour before the Memorial Service

Memorial Service will be on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at 11 AM at Johnson Funeral Service, Thief River Falls, MN. Burial will be at a later date.

On April 7, 1943, Audrey was born to Emery and Edith (Olson) Leader in Minneapolis, MN. She attended school in Newfolden, MN, graduating in the class of 1961. Audrey moved to Minneapolis after graduation where she went to school to become a flight attendant. She worked as an airline stewardess for several years. She also worked as a bank teller in Minneapolis. She moved back to Thief River Falls, MN and continued to work as a bank teller, until she met Jerel.

On April 17, 1982, Audrey was united in marriage to Jerel Kilen at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Newfolden, MN. Jerel was an established farmer near Strathcona, MN. It took Audrey a while to get used to the farming life, but she became good at driving tractor and helping with calving. She loved watching the calves run around. Jerel and Audrey retired from farming in 2011.

Audrey enjoyed fishing at Lake of the Woods with Jerel, having lunch with the girls, and gardening flowers and vegetables. She had a favorite dog named, Max, who was a joy to her for many years. Audrey loved having her nieces and nephews at the house, following their school activities, and going to their sporting events. A pastime of hers was watching the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. Audrey and Jerel also had a lot of fun going to the casino. She really enjoyed getting together with family and especially seeing and hearing about the children.

Audrey is survived by her husband of 41 years, Jerel, Greenbush, MN, brother, Gary Leader, Newfolden, MN, sisters-in-law, Jan Leader, Thief River Falls, MN and Teri Dunrud, Viking, MN: uncle, William Jr. (Janice) Olson, Newfolden, MN and many cousins, nephews and nieces.

She is preceded in death by her parents and brother, Bruce Knutson

Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com

Johnson Funeral Service