Richard A. Collins

On Dec 20, 2018 with family by his side, Richard 'Dick' Collins, Amberg, formerly of Green Bay passed away suddenly but peacefully two days shy of his 85th birthday. He was born on Dec 22, 1933 to the late Alvin 'Cully' and Marie (Selissen) Collins. Dick went to Green Bay East High School and then served our country in the United States Navy.

On July 30,1960 Dick married the love of his life & best friend, Suzanne 'Sue' VanSistine. Together they shared 58 wonderful, loving years of marriage. In his early years, Dick was a plasterer by trade then a meat cutter at Liebmans Packing of Green Bay for 10yrs. He finish his working career for the City of Green Bay Water Dept retiring after 20+ yrs. He was a student of life and jack of all trades. In 1972 Sue and Dick purchased land up north on Dolan Lake with the thought of some day retiring up in the woods. What started out as their 'shack in the woods', Dick transformed it into their retirement home where they lived next door to their lifelong friends Bob & Celeste Lom. From clearing the land, laying the brick foundation, and building every square inch including the most beautiful field stone fireplace, a home it was. The door was always open, the beer was always cold and there were beds for any vagabond family member who wanted to visit. Which was often! As his sister-in-law Sandi beautifully stated, he was a quiet presence in the midst of many family gatherings that were filled with unending, overlapping conversations and laughter. He was an observer of people and events, a thinker and a doer who could fix and build just about anything. No matter how he felt, when asked how he was doing his response was always 'just one notch away from perfect!' No dad, to us you were perfect.

Along with his wife Sue, Dick is survived by his children: Robb (Carrie) Collins, Green Bay, Kelley (Al) Lindsley-Dachelet, Algoma, Tracey (John) Koltz, Greenleaf, Kalyn (Garth) Bugenhagen, Appleton. Grandchildren: Brandon (Ruth) Collins, Jeremy Collins, Casey (special friend Christina Lynn) Lindsley, Breanna (Justin) Tlachac, Shannen (Fiancé Mitch Krahn) Koltz, Molly (Fiancé Jared Dechamps) Lindsley, Dean (special friend Olivia VandeHey) Koltz. Great Grandchildren: Katlin Collins, Jack and Cash Tlachac. He is further survived by his brother James (special friend Sharon) Collins, sister in law Mary Jane Collins, brother in law Gary (Sandi) VanSistine, special niece/God daughter Lynn Baumgartner and other nieces, nephews, family and good friends.

In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his in-laws Robert & Florence VanSistine, sister Donna Baumgartner and brother Thomas Collins.

A celebration of Dick's life will be held at Newcomer Funeral Home, 340 S. Monroe Ave, Green Bay on Wednesday, December 26 from 4-7pm and Thursday, December 27 from 9:30-11am at St. John the Evangelist Church, 413 St. John St, Green Bay. A mass of Christian burial will take place at 11am with a reception and time to visit will follow.

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