Dean R. Collins, of Cassopolis

Published 10:00 am Tuesday, July 5, 2016

May 5, 1946 — June 28, 2016

Dean Robert Collins, 70, of Cassopolis, died peacefully early Tuesday morning, June 28, 2016, from an extended illness in Hanson Hospice Center in Stevensville, in the presence and comfort of his family.

Dean R. Collins

Dean was born May 5, 1946, in Stanford, Connecticut to Dean and Irene (Pollock) Kirkdorfer. Dean was preceded in death by his father Chief Quartermaster Dean L. Kirkdorfer (USN). His “second father” Eldon R. Collins also preceded him in death, as did one brother, Dan Collins.

Dean’s family moved to Cassopolis when he was 9 years old. He graduated from Cassopolis High School in 1965 and attended Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan. He married Cheryl Ann Gleason August 13, 1966, and together they had one son, Todd. Dean farmed and worked for Clark Equipment in Buchanan.

Dean later moved to Eugene, Oregon in 1991 and married Selma Elitt in 1993. They then moved to Selah, Washington, where he was employed by a large motor home company in Yakima, Washington as a manager. When his wife passed away he retired and moved back to Cassopolis and worked part time in maintenance at Prospect Hill Cemetery for the Village of Cassopolis.

Dean will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his son and daughter in law, Todd and Claire Collins of Cassopolis; one grandson, Gage Collins; one step daughter and her husband, Heidi and Markus Ferguson of Albany, Oregon; one stepson and his wife, Faron and Mandy Schram, of Vancouver, Washington; one step granddaughter, Bailey Peters; two step grandsons, Zack Ferguson and Alex Ferguson; one sister Donna Kirkdorfer Collins of Stuart, Florida; and one brother and sister in law, James and Leeann Kirkdorfer Collins of Lawton, Michigan.

Mr. Collins’ remains will be laid to rest in a private service in Reames and Norton Cemetery in Cassopolis.

Rest in Peace

Dad, Grandpa, Brother and Friend.

We will miss you and your corny jokes.

The family prefers contributions be made in Dean’s name to Hanson Hospice Center, 4382 Cleveland Avenue, Stevensville, Michigan 49127.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.