Funeral Services will take place at Helgeson Funeral Home in Roseau on Thursday, August 29, 2024 at 12:00 pm with a visitation two hours prior. Interment will take place at Bethel Lutheran Cemetery in Greenbush. Family will Livestream the service on Bethel Lutheran Church- Greenbush, MN Facebook page starting at 11:45 am.
Jerel Arthur Kilen, 73, of Greenbush, MN passed away on August 21st, 2024.
Jerel was born on December 4th, 1950 in Greenbush, MN to Art and Helen Kilen. He grew up on the family farm south of Greenbush and attended school at Greenbush High School. After Jerel graduated from Greenbush High School in 1968, he was drafted into the US Army and served in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division. Upon his honorable discharge from the United States Army he attended college in Crookston and then returned home to Greenbush where he farmed and raised cattle.
On April 17, 1982 Jerel was united in marriage to Audrey Leader at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Newfolden, MN. They retired from farming in 2011.
Jerel enjoyed hunting and fishing in his free time and cheering on the Vikings. He was an amazing uncle who was an avid supporter of his nieces and nephews school activities and greatly enjoyed attending their sporting events. Jerel and Audrey also enjoyed going to casinos and Jerel loved his trips to Las Vegas.
Jerel is survived by his brother Keith (Eileen) and their children Rachel (Roger) Green, Clay, Shane (Sharla), Raquel (Bill) Ibach, and Robin; sister Carolynn and her daughters Dawne Erickson and Melissa Moore; sister Ann (Edgar) Graham and their children Kyle (Claire) and Marissa; and sister-in-law Stephanie and children Nick (Tobi), Angie (Kevin) Peterson, and Richard (Amanda).
He is also survived by his brother-in-law Gary Leader, sisters-in-law Jan Leader and Teri Dunrud, nieces Katie (Caleb) Holthusen, Kristi (Mason) Persons and nephews Jon (Kayla) Leader, Lorrin Leader, Christopher Knutson, and Shane Knutson.
Also survived by aunt Arlene Bertilrud and numerous great nieces and nephews, great great niece and nephews, cousins and friends.
He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 41 years Audrey, his parents Art and Helen, his younger brother Michael, his grandparents, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Last modified: 08/29/2024
