Joseph Michael Collins

JOSEPH MICHAEL COLLINS, age 95, of Janesville formerly of Waseca, died on Friday, July 31, 2020 at Mayo Clinic Health Systems in Mankato.

Born on October 8, 1924, in Waseca to Joseph "Leo" and Emilie "Emma" (Riegler) Collins. He attended Sacred Heart Catholic School, graduating with the class of 1942. On December 10, 1942, he enlisted into the United States Marine Corps. Joe did his basic training in San Diego, California. He was first stationed at Navy Pier in Chicago, Illinois and then at Cherry Point, North Carolina. For the next 15 months he served in the Pacific Theatre of operations. During that time he participated in Gilbert Islands operations, Marshall Islands operations, occupation of Kwajalein Atoll, and in Marianas operations. Joe finished his time in the service at Quantico, Virginia where he was honorably discharged on October 19, 1945.

On May 16, 1953, Joe was united in marriage to Maureen Connors at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Waseca. Together they made their home in Waseca where they raised six children. Joe and Maureen enjoyed square dancing, golfing, sports, playing cards with bridge groups and at the Senior Center, and being a part of couples bowling leagues.

Following his time in the US Marine Corps, Joe began working for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company as a repairman. His career introduced him to many people in the Waseca community. During the prime of his career he was able to tell you who lived in almost every farmhouse as well as everyone in town. Joe enjoyed his 41 1/2 year career serving the community as their telephone repairman. During this time Joe belonged to a Northwestern Bell organization named "The Pioneers" where he was given an award for over 200 hours of community service. Joe was very active in the community as he served on the Waseca City Council for 26 1/2 years, Waseca Volunteer Fire Department for 20 years, Waseca Park Board and was a member of the First National Neighborhood Development Corporation on the board of directors. He was also a 4-H leader and Blue Jay Booster. Joe was active in the DFL Party and CWA Union 7213 where he served as president for six years. He was a charter member of SMMPA (Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency) where he served on the board of directors and as president for 10 years. He was also a member of the local Eagles Club, American Legion, VFW, Knights of Columbus, Wilton River Riders, and Lakeside Country Club. Joe had the privilege of being named the Grand Marshall for the first Sleigh and Cutter Festival in Waseca. He was a faithful lifelong parishioner of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Waseca where he served on the Parish Council and Finance Committee. He was a big sports fan especially following the Minnesota Lynx. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, bowling, square dancing, playing cards, hunting, the horse races, working on the farm, and traveling the world. Joe always felt he had a civic responsibility to his community and would talk to anyone with a listening ear on how to make Waseca a better place. His family fondly remembers his remarkable memory and all of the great experiences they shared together throughout his life.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Maureen, of Janesville; children: Darcy (Keith) Barnes of Waseca, Jody (Timothy) O'Connell of Janesville, Michael Collins of Waseca, Timothy (Ruth Ann) Collins of Waseca, Thomas (Dina) Collins of Lancaster, CA, and Christopher Collins of Burnsville; 13 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; sisters-in-law: Virginia Collins of Waseca, Patricia Scaletta of Winnipeg, and Millie Szyszka of Shakopee; brother-in-law: Gene (Sandy) Matz of Waseca; and a multitude of extended family and friends.

Preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Leonard, Gerald, Francis "Bud", and Leo Jr. (KIA during WWII); and sister, Mary Spies. In-laws: Mary Jean and John Somers, Andrea and James Olsen, Jean Collins, Henry Spies, and Joseph Scaletta.

Visitation will be held from 3-6 PM on Sunday, August 16, 2020 at the State Street Chapel of Dennis Funeral & Cremation Services with a parish prayer service beginning at 6 PM. Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 1 PM on Monday, August 17, 2020 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Waseca with Fr. The Hoang as Celebrant. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery with Military Honors by the Waseca VFW and American Legion.

Memorials are preferred to the Sacred Heart Endowment Fund or Waseca County Relay For Life.