Collins Memorial

Class of 1965's Steve Collins died at the Bradenton Hospice House, Bradenton, Florida, on Saturday, May 1, 2010, of brain cancer, surrounded in spirit and reality by his family and friends.

Steve had cancer of the esophagus in 2009, and after chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and more chemo, Steve was told he was cancer-free. Therefore, the return of cancer came as a shock to Steve and his family.

After graduating from MacArthur High School, Steve joined the Navy and retired in 1987. He moved to Florida in 1993 where his brother Pat (Class of '63) lived. Steve worked as Director of Operations for Taylor and Fulton, a tomato grower and packer, for twelve years before retiring again.

Steve has one daughter, Kimberly, who lives in Santee, California. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Mike (Class of '61), his brother Pat (Class of '63), and his sister Barbara. He is survived by his sister Kitty (Class of '68), his sister Virginia (Class of'72) and his sister Meg.

Burial will be at the family plot, in Allouez Cemetery, Green Bay, Wisconsin, on May 15, 2010.

A memorial service will be held in Bradenton, Florida, at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 5, 2010. The location offers webcam access so people can watch from anywhere in the world.

Donations in remembrance of Steve may be made to St. Coletta School of Wisconsin. Steve's sister Barbara, with whom he shared the same birthdate, though 16 years apart, was developmentally disabled and resided at St. Coletta's for 35 years until her death in 2009. Barb is remembered at St. Coletta's website, with a photograph of Barb taken about two years before she died; click on "Homes" and the third picture in the slide show is Barb--reddish hair, glasses, pink shirt. Barb brought out the gentler side of Steve and they had a close relationship throughout her life.

The Collinses wish to pass along their "thank yous" for the friendship, love and support and prayers, they have received. It is meaningful and helpful.

(Deep appreciation to the family, Kitty Collins, and Phil Clark for sharing this information with this blog.)