Genelle “Tootsie” A. Kilbride

Genelle “Tootsie” Kilbride, 83, Fargo, formerly Comstock, MN, passed away Saturday, November 19, 2016, at Elim Rehabilitation and Care Center in Fargo.
Genelle Arlene Peterson was born September 3, 1933, in Fargo, ND, to Eugene and Adeline Anderson Peterson. She grew up in the Comstock area, was baptized and confirmed in Clara Lutheran Church, and graduated from high school in Comstock. After graduation, she attended 1 year of business college in Fargo.
Tootsie, as she was known by everyone, was united in marriage to Kenneth Kilbride on January 24, 1953, at Comstock Lutheran Church. Their marriage was blessed with three children. While Tootsie was mainly a homemaker, she had a variety of part-time jobs outside the home and she also joined Kenny in working on the farm. In 1977, Tootsie and Kenny purchased a hotel in Willmar, MN, which they ran together for 12 ½ years. After selling the hotel, they moved back to Comstock.
Tootsie loved to entertain family and friends, was known for her wonderful cooking, and enjoyed hosting all the holidays. Church was always an important part of her life, and she was an active member of Comstock Lutheran Church. She loved the quilting circle, bible study, and spending time with all her friends at Lydia’s Circle. Along with her sisters, Rosie and Claudia, Tootsie was very musical and she loved playing the organ, piano, guitar and accordion. Kenny and Tootsie loved to dance, and her favorite show was “The Polka Party.” Together, they built a lake cabin on Lake Lida, where they enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Kenny passed away on January 13, 2013.
Tootsie is survived by her son, Rick Rita Kilbride, Marlow, OK; daughters, Lori Mike Hughes, Frazee, MN, and Debra Nistler friend Craig Stein, Fargo; grandchildren, Carrie Josh Powell, OK, Anna Kilbride, OK, John Brianna Nistler, Moorhead, Joe Nistler, Fargo, Jackie Nistler fiancé Luke Schultz, Fargo, Josh Nistler, Fargo, Nick Hughes, Fargo and Heidi Hughes, Fargo; great-grandchild Brynn Nistler and one great-grandchild due in February 2017; sister, Rosie Keith Carr, Barnesville, MN, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her brother, Gerald Peterson and her sister, Claudia Boelter.
The family extends a special thank you to Hospice of the Red River Valley and Elim for their wonderful, loving care of Genelle.