John Jay Kilbride

John Jay Kilbride was proud to say he turned 80 years old on his last birthday in June. John passed away suddenly on the afternoon of July 30th, with his wife Ellie by his side in their home in Red Wing, MN. He was born June 29, 1946, in Freeman, South Dakota to Francis and Edna (Wollmann) Kilbride. His family left the farm and moved to Minnesota when he was 10 years old, eventually settling in Hastings where he attended high school. At seventeen, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in Vietnam. While serving in the military, he exchanged letters with a pen pal, Beth Gravelle, from his hometown; and after returning to Hastings, they met and married in 1967. They started their family in Hastings, but in 1970 they moved to their adopted hometown of Red Wing. John and Beth parted ways in the late 1980’s. John met Ellie Spanyard in the early 90’s and they were wed on August 5, 1995.

John attended Dunwoody College of Technology to prepare for work as a tool and die maker at Hudson Manufacturing in Hastings, where he worked for more than 40 years, retiring in 2009.

John had a strong sense of civic duty. He was active in the union at Hudson Manufacturing, a member of the local Masonic Lodge, and active in the DFL. He served on the Red Wing City Council for 18 years and ran for state representative twice as the DFL candidate. He served in the Minnesota National Guard for over 30 years based in Red Wing and later Albert Lea.

John had a great sense of humor, loved to joke and tell stories. He always fought for the underdog and was a father figure to many more than just his children. He was intelligent, witty, and enjoyed a good game of chess. He beat his eldest daughter blindfolded! He loved dancing and watching movies. His heart was easily captured by his many beloved cats and dogs over the years.

He will be missed by many, including his wife of 31 years, Ellie; 4 children, Kelly Kilbride of Red Wing, Kimberly (Dave) Kilbride of Pepin, WI., Regan Kilbride of Red Wing, and Ryan (Julie) Kilbride of Eagan; 3 step-children, Peter Quinn of Minneapolis, Mindy Quinn of Hastings and Amanda (Pete) Miller of Bloomington; a bonus child and caretaker, Jerry Lewis; 10 grandchildren, 14 step-grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren (and one on the way) and 3 step great-grandchildren; sisters, Rosemary Zahnow, and Sandra (Robert) Bethea; and brother, Dennis (Teresa) Kilbride.

He is preceded in death by his brother, Jim Kilbride; stepson, Michael Quinn; and his parents.

A memorial service is pending.