In Memory of

Frederick

Earl

Kilstrom

Obituary for Frederick Earl Kilstrom

Frederick Earl Kilstrom, 88 of Penrose, NC went to be with Jesus Christ to his prepared heavenly home on November 29th. He was the son of the late Elmer Kilstrom and Reba Orr Kilstrom. Fred was born in Chicago Ill. His grandparents Sven and Matilda Kilstrom came from Sweden and settled in the Chicago area. Grandparents Ben and Augusta Orr were residents of Henderson County. Fred’s parents moved to Henderson County in 1930 and in the mid forties moved to Little River Community.
Fred graduated from Brevard High School in 1948 and attended Berry College in Rome, Georgia and studied Agriculture. He served his country in The United States Air Force for four years attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. In 1954 he married his high school sweetheart, Margaret George, who loved him dearly. In 1956 he began work at Ecusta and retired in 1992. He was a lab technician in the Research Department.
Fred was a faithful member of Little River Baptist Church. He led the music ministry for many years, directed the church choir for 43 years. For several years he was the Royal Ambassador leader. He taught the adult men’s Sunday School class for many years. He was given the honor of Deacon Emeritus.
He was also active in the Transylvania County Baptist Association serving as music director (1965-1973). He served on nine committees (two or three years each). He helped organize KOALA (Keeping Older Adults Living Abundantly) Serving as treasurer for many years.
County Government was of interest to Fred. He served as County Commissioner from 1980-1988 (chairman ’84-’88). Fred was active in Little River Community Club and was treasurer for many years. After retirement he was a volunteer for 25 years at Transylvania Regional Hospital.
Fred also enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, being with his sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and sitting on the front porch with Margaret.
Following in his footsteps to cherish his memory he leaves behind his beloved wife of 63 years and two sons, Reverend Tim Kilstrom and his wife Vicki of Grand Island, NB and Eric Kilstrom and wife Susan of Penrose
He is survived by five grandchildren – Mica Olinghouse (Jeff) of Tulsa, Ryann Kneeshaw (Ben) of Lunenburg, MA, Tori Garcia (Thomas) of Tulsa, Ashley Kilstrom ( Heather) of Fletcher, Frederick Larson Kilstrom of Waynesville and Ashley and Larson’s mother Pam Kilstrom. Also surviving are many great-grandchildren, seven nieces and one nephew, and a sister –in – law Betty G McCrary of Brevard. His brother Harry and sister Grace preceded him in death.
A celebration of his life will be held on December 2, 2017, 3:00 PM at Little River Baptist Church, 51 Little River Church Rd. Burial will be in the church cemetery following services. The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall from 1:30 to 2:45.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Little River Baptist Church, in honor of Fred and will be used for educational expenses for associate pastor Marc Reynolds as he begins his seminary education.
Moody- Connolly Funeral Home is caring for the family.
From the words of John as he quotes Jesus in John 14:1-4 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am there you may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.”
Online condolences may be left at www.moodyconnollyfuneralhome.com
Moody-Connolly Funeral Home and Crematory are caring for the family.