Caroline Kilen

Caroline Kilen, 77, of Mandan, ND, passed away peacefully on April 23, 2025, surrounded by her loving family after fighting a 8 month battle with Cancer.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 A.M., Monday, April 28, 2025 at Corpus Christi Church, 1919 N 2nd St., Bismarck. Visitation will be from 3-5 P.M., Sunday, April 27, 2025 at Weigel Funeral Home in Mandan, with a prayer service beginning at 5:00 P.M. Visitation will continue 1 hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Rite of Committal will be 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at Mandan Union Cemetery.

Caroline was born on June 24, 1947, in Burt, North Dakota, to Florian and Margaret Hoerner. She married the love of her life, Thornton Kilen, on August 17, 1964. Together, they shared 60 beautiful years of marriage, building a life filled with love, laughter, and the joy of raising a close-knit family.

A devoted stay-at-home mom to five children, Caroline also helped care for six of her grandchildren, creating a warm and nurturing home that became the heart of the family. Her greatest joy came from being "Grandma" and "Great-Grandma"-a role that brought her the greatest joy.

Caroline had a lifelong love for gardening and took great pleasure in canning the vegetables she grew. You could always stop by and shop from her pantry. She rarely missed a sporting event of the grandkids, She made it a point to be at every game, always the proud grandma in the stands. She loved playing cards with her husband and friends. She enjoyed scrapbooking, sewing, and relaxing on the front porch with her husband, waiting for the grandkids to stop by. She loved to spend the summer months fishing and camping.

Caroline's love for animals was evident in the many pets she cared for over the years, each one holding a special place in her heart. Her dog, Bella, was a constant companion, never leaving her side, even in her final moments, providing comfort and love as Caroline peacefully passed. In 2020, she checked a big item off her bucket list by going on her first cruise-an adventure she absolutely cherished. But perhaps one of the moments she held dearest was celebrating 60 years of marriage with the love of her life just last year.

She was known for her loving and selfless nature, always concerned with the well-being of her family and where everyone was at any given time. Her kindness, strength, and care left a lasting impression on everyone lucky enough to know her.

Caroline is survived by her loving husband, Thornton; her children, David (Jodi) Kilen, Abercrombie, ND; Brenda (Brian) Barbour, Boise, ID; Steven (Nolana) Kilen, Mandan, ND; Lori (Joseph) Lockner, Mandan, ND; 10 grandchildren, Amber (Bryce) Brady, Tyler Kilen, Austin Kilen, Nicholas Barbour, Justin Kilen, Blake Kilen, Carter Kilen, Jonathan Lockner, Jericah Lockner, and Jace Lockner; 3 great-grandchildren, Brantley Brady, Ava Brady, and Abby Brady; sisters, Shirley (Jerry) Meisch and Violet (Daren) Heim. Caroline had many other dear relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Florian and Margaret Hoerner; her brother, Florian Hoerner Jr.; and her son, Michael Kilen.

She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Caring Edge Hospice for the love, care, and support they provided during the final four days of Caroline's life. The compassion and heartfelt assistance they extended to the entire family will be forever cherished.