Thomas Collins

Thomas J. Collins was born on June 12, 1954 the son of Vincent and JoHanna (DeVaan) Collins in Benson, MN. He grew up and graduated from Murdock High School in 1972 and then continued his education at the Willmar Vocational Technical College for two years. After college Tom began Collins Construction in Kerkhoven in 1974. He married Debra Arens on September 6, 1975 in Padua, MN. Together they had three children Jeff, Beth, and Brendan. In December of 1976 Tom and Deb moved their business to Alexandria. He purchased a farm north of Alexandria in the spring of 1978 where he located his business. As Tom broadened his company to include custom cabinetry he found his passion in making cabinets and woodworking. He soon transformed his company to Collins Cabinets. Tom had many past times in his life. He loved the farm life and enjoyed raising pigs, chickens, steers, goats, sheep, and other farm animals over the years. He liked the outdoors and cherished the many family camp outings and family road trips around the country. Tom liked to play cards especially with his 500 Card group. He enjoyed snowmobiling, boating and sailing. He liked to stay fit by running, biking, walking and cross-country skiing. Tom also was involved with many organizations. He was a very active member of Sertoma for many years, always volunteering his time and lending a helping hand. He always enjoyed serving his church, and participating in the men?s Prayer group at St. Mary?s. He was a member of the Vikingland Builders Assoc., MN Technology CEO Peer Council, and St. Nicholas Catholic Church. Tom was an honest, optimistic, and hard-working man who loved life and always had a smile on his face. Tom was a true family man. He loved the time he spent with his wife and children at their cabin on Lake Irene. Tom was a loving husband, father, grandpa, brother and friend, who will be missed by those who knew and loved him. Thomas John Collins died on Thursday, March 13, 2008 at the Douglas County Hospital in Alexandria at the age of 53. He is survived by his wife Deb Collins of Nelson, MN; children Jeff and Kelley Collins of Gary SD; Beth Collins and friend Ryan Mohrman of Alexandria, MN; Brendan Collins and friend Heather King of Minneapolis, MN; grandchildren Lane, Beau, and Weston Collins all of Gary SD; brothers Richard and Paulette Collins of Spicer, MN; Don and Kathy Collins of Spicer, MN; Chuck and Julie Collins of Kerkhoven, MN; Gary and Pat Collins of Arvada, CO; sister-in-law Rosie Collins of Kerkhoven, MN; sisters Peggy and Tom Turcotte of White Bear Lake; Kay and Dennis Stottler of Buffalo, MN; Donna and Dave Quigley of Minnetrista, MN; Mary and Al Johnson of Maple Grove; Connie and Tom Jeseritz of Howard Lake, MN; father and mother in-law Wilfred and Doris Arens of Padua, MN; many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Bob Collins; nephew Dean Collins; and great niece Emma Benson. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, March 17, 2008 at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Belle River, MN with the Reverend Leroy Scheierl officiating. Kim Byrne provided the music, and special music was sung by his nephews. Interment was in the St. Nicholas Catholic Cemetery. Casket Bearers were Ron Droppo, Tom Haase, Hank Janz, Dave Jabas, Warren Svor, and Dan Lindquist. Honorary Casket Bearers were Richard Collins, Chuck Collins, Don Collins, Gary Collins, the late Bob Collins, Randy Pothen and Dick Anderson. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.