Orlin Collins

Orlin L. Collins of Webster, Wisconsin, died August 5, 2008 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was 67. Orlin was born in Bigfork, Minnesota on February 21, 1941 to Bertha (Wright) and Arnold Collins. He graduated from North High School in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1959. Ardyss Peterson caught his eye in high school chemistry class, and they were married on June 16, 1962 in Columbia Heights, Minnesota. Orlin worked as a mechanic at Greyhound Bus, Hertz Trucking, Twin City Diesel, and as a supervisor at Product Design and Engineering. Unafraid of heights, he also worked as a steeple jack, repairing smoke stacks, installing lightening rods on such places as the WCCO tower, and painting flag poles. After retirement, Orlin owned and operated the DX gas station in Webster, Wisconsin. A man of many talents, Orlin could be found working on his home, repairing cars, customizing motorcycles, and even cooking a favorite oriental dish or two. He was a devoted family man and made sure his children grew to be caring, capable adults. They were his greatest accomplishment, by far. His five grandchildren were icing on the cake, and he took great pleasure in their attention and company. Orlin enjoyed classical music, watching The History Channel, and collecting coins, books, and stamps. A thoughtful gentle soul, Orlin was often found with a smile on his face and cup of steaming coffee by his side. Orlin was preceded in death by his father Arnold and brothers Wendell and Adrian. Orlin is survived by his wife Ardyss, mother Bertha (Wright) Collins, son Matthew (Rebecca) Collins, daughters Amanda (Tracy) Holcomb and Corrina (Jeff) Brown, special daughter Kathy Loeffler, grandchildren Brittany, Arianna, Brooke, Chandler and Corrina, sisters Carol Carlson, Ina (Don) Jenkins and Vivian (Fred Irish) Howard, many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held August 9, 2008 at Grace United Methodist Church, Webster, Wisconsin with Pastor Cindy Glocke officiating. Music was provided by Pauline Davis and Dianne Graveson. Interment followed at Lakeside (Orange) Cemetery in Oakland Township, Wisconsin. Casketbearers were Tracy Holcomb, Chandler Holcomb, Jeff Brown, Billy Janssen, Todd Jenkins and Joel Collins. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, Wisconsin.