Robert William Collins
September 1, 1931 — July 29, 2013
View Flowers
Robert William Collins, age 81 of Skanee, MI passed away on Monday, July 29, 2013 at his home with his family by his side.
Robert was born September 1, 1931 in Beechwood, MI son to Marion D. and Lucy A. (Wells) Collins. He grew up in Beechwood, Munising, L'Anse, and Skanee. He attended school in Munising and Skanee. He went into the US Army during the Korean War.
Robert married the former Naomi C. Westrom on January 1, 1953 in Dearborn, MI. They lived in Taylor, MI where he worked as a truck driver. They later moved to Skanee and he drove bus and was a janitor for the Skanee School for 17 years. He owned and operated The Coffee Shop in L'Anse for 5 years from 1976-81.
He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Skanee and the American Legion Post144 in L'Anse.
Robert enjoyed spending time at "Da Hooch" with his friends and family. He loved hunting, fishing, woodworking and making bird houses and flutes, and collecting coins. He also enjoyed riding his 4-wheeler with his wife and grandchildren.
Surviving are his loving wife of 60 years, Naomi of Skanee; son Robert Wm. (Catrina) Collins Jr. of Ishpeming, MI; daughters, Jan Marie Filpus of Skanee, Debbie Collins of South Rockwood, MI, Brenda Lynn Collins of Dundee, MI; brother Merrill "Buzzy" Collins of Rochester, MI; sisters, Bonnie Snell of Calumet, MI, Marian Revord of Florida, Bessie Pennock of Gaylord, MI; 11 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Homer and Kenny Collins; sisters, Louise Gerrard, Glenna Ball, Loretta Hollenbeck, Dorothy Revord, and Pauline Warren.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 1st at 1:00 p.m.at Zion Lutheran Church in Skanee. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service. Rev. Judy Mattson will officiate. Burial will be in the Skanee Cemetery. The Baraga County area veterans will conduct military rites at the cemetery under the direction of the American Legion Post 444 of Baraga. The Jacobson Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Friends may sign Robert's guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com.