1936
Gary
2016
Gary Ardon Collins
August 10, 1936 — November 14, 2016
Gary Ardon Collins passed with peace and grace on November 14, 2016, at Pine Haven Care Center in Pine Island, Minnesota, at the age of 80.
The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 17, 2016, at the United Methodist Church in Pine Island, with a reception to follow. Pastors Carolyn Westlake and Sharon Nelson will co-officiate the ceremony. Visitation will be on Wednesday, November 16, 2016, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Mahn Family Funeral Home - Mahler Chapel in Pine Island. Burial in Pine Island Cemetery. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Gary's life.
Gary was born on August 10, 1936, in Rochester, Minnesota, to Ardon & Elizabeth (Bringgold) Collins. In 1954, Gary graduated from Pine Island High School. He went to work at Minnesota Cheese Producers (Land 0'Lakes) for 2 years before attending college. He married Marilyn Mosher, his high school sweetheart on July 26, 1958. In 1960, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Winona State University. Gary and Marilyn moved to Battle Creek, Michigan, where Gary was employed as an Industrial Arts and Driver Education teacher at W. K. Kellogg Junior High School. He taught for 2 years before returning to Pine Island in 1962. Gary worked at Crenlo in Rochester for a year prior to obtaining a teaching position at Pine Island Public Schools. His teaching career covered a time span of 27 years during which he touched the lives of many students. Gary and Marilyn welcomed two daughters into their home.
Gary was an accomplished carpenter and often shared his talents with others. He loved living on the farm and seeing the fruits of his labor. He was a compassionate, hard-working, and steady individual who loved life and who was passionate about making the world a better place. He was an active and dedicated member of the United Methodist Church and the local Lions Club.
Gary is survived by his wife of 58 years, Marilyn; children: Debbie Collins and Becky Collins; grandchildren: Jordan (Carrie) Collins, Lyndsie Dehn, Tony Archer, Mary (Tony) LaMotte, great grandchildren: Madisyn, Tony, and James Collins, Karsen Archer.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Ardon and Elizabeth Collins; as well as his brother, Blake Collins.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Pine Haven Care Center, Pine Island United Methodist Church, or the Lions Club. The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff and residents of Pine Haven Care Center for their compassion and caring for Gary in his final days.
209 NW 1st Ave. P.O. Box 117
Pine Island, MN 55963
Pine Island, MN
The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 17, 2016, at the United Methodist Church in Pine Island, with a reception to follow. Pastors Carolyn Westlake and Sharon Nelson will co-officiate the ceremony. Visitation will be on Wednesday, November 16, 2016, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Mahn Family Funeral Home - Mahler Chapel in Pine Island. Burial in Pine Island Cemetery. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Gary's life.
Gary was born on August 10, 1936, in Rochester, Minnesota, to Ardon & Elizabeth (Bringgold) Collins. In 1954, Gary graduated from Pine Island High School. He went to work at Minnesota Cheese Producers (Land 0'Lakes) for 2 years before attending college. He married Marilyn Mosher, his high school sweetheart on July 26, 1958. In 1960, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Winona State University. Gary and Marilyn moved to Battle Creek, Michigan, where Gary was employed as an Industrial Arts and Driver Education teacher at W. K. Kellogg Junior High School. He taught for 2 years before returning to Pine Island in 1962. Gary worked at Crenlo in Rochester for a year prior to obtaining a teaching position at Pine Island Public Schools. His teaching career covered a time span of 27 years during which he touched the lives of many students. Gary and Marilyn welcomed two daughters into their home.
Gary was an accomplished carpenter and often shared his talents with others. He loved living on the farm and seeing the fruits of his labor. He was a compassionate, hard-working, and steady individual who loved life and who was passionate about making the world a better place. He was an active and dedicated member of the United Methodist Church and the local Lions Club.
Gary is survived by his wife of 58 years, Marilyn; children: Debbie Collins and Becky Collins; grandchildren: Jordan (Carrie) Collins, Lyndsie Dehn, Tony Archer, Mary (Tony) LaMotte, great grandchildren: Madisyn, Tony, and James Collins, Karsen Archer.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Ardon and Elizabeth Collins; as well as his brother, Blake Collins.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Pine Haven Care Center, Pine Island United Methodist Church, or the Lions Club. The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff and residents of Pine Haven Care Center for their compassion and caring for Gary in his final days.
Visitation
NOV 16. 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM (CST)
Mahn Family Funeral Home, Mahler Chapel209 NW 1st Ave. P.O. Box 117
Pine Island, MN 55963
Service
NOV 17. 2:00 PM (CST)
United Methodist ChurchPine Island, MN
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