Edward R. Collins

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Edward R. Collins on May 8, 2020, at the Markesan Resident Home.

Ed was born on October 9, 1925, in Chicago, IL, a son of Edward and Johanna (Langmeister) Collins.  He grew up during the depression in Chicago, along with his brothers, Leroy and Howard Collins. 

Ed joined the Marines in 1943 and proudly served in World War II.  He was discharged on December 18, 1945.  He then enrolled at Illinois State University on the GI Bill, studying drafting and architecture for 2 years.

Ed married the love of his life, Irene Elizabeth Kubycheck on April 14, 1951, in Chicago, IL.  Together they raised 4 sons, Thomas, Timothy, Anthony, and Robert.

Ed went to work for Citi-Service which later became Citgo.  He began his career with the company as a terminal manager in South Bend, IN, and continued with Citgo in Madison, WI, Franklin, TN, and then Bolingbrook, IL, where he retired at the age of 58.  Ed and Irene moved from Bolingbrook, IL, to Princeton WI, on Big Green Lake in 1985. They were members of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Princeton where Ed was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.  Ed was a member of the VFW Post 10452 and the American Legion Post 366 both of Princeton. 

Together, Ed and Irene enjoyed traveling the United States, cruises to Alaska and the Caribbean.  They both enjoyed many hours of fishing on Green Lake.  Ed was a wonderful fisherman who also made his own jigs, which caught many fish. 

Those Ed leaves behind to cherish his memory include his 4 sons, Tom (Becky) Collins of Deforest, WI, Tim (Judy) Collins of South Bend, IN, Tony Collins of Portage, WI, Robert Collins of Hartford, WI.  Ed will be greatly missed by his 5 grandchildren, Tim (Amanda) Collins, Michelle (Terry) Hughes, Josh Busse, Heather (Kyle Boese) Collins, Melody (Steve) Grey; 11 great grandchildren, Isabel, Cole, Xavier, Conner, Caden, Emma, Quenten, Joseph, Alba, Adalynn and Ariella; brother, Howard Collins of Chicago, IL; special friend, Ron Brandstetter; his numerous friends from Princeton, who fondly called him Mr. Ed.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Irene Collins; parents, Edward and Johanna Collins; brother, Leroy Collins; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Anthony and Elizabeth Kubycheck; his best pal, Bud Wilcox. 

The family of Edward Collins would like to thank the wonderful staff at the Markesan Resident Home and the hospice nurses for their excellent care in dad’s final days.

Due to the current Covid-19 pandemic, a private family service for Edward Collins will be held at the Wachholz and Sons Funeral Home in Princeton.  A private burial will be held at the Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery in Hillside, IL, where Edward will be laid to rest alongside his wife, Irene.  A memorial has been established in his name to the Princeton VFW Post 10452, 136 N. Farmer St. Princeton, WI 54968.  

Wachholz and Sons Funeral Home

Sunset Cremation Center in Princeton

Serving the Family, 920-295-6631

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