Bruce H. Collins

Bruce H. Collins 77, of Kingsford, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 28, 2015 at his home from complications of Lewy-Body dementia. Bruce was born to George and Helen (Jensen) Collins of Negaunee, MI on March 2, 1938. He was a graduate of Negaunee High School in 1956. Bruce attended Northern Michigan University and Michigan Technological University. He married Janice (Bjorne) Collins on July 13, 1963, whom he met at Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp in 1957. Bruce served in the 107th Engineers Battalion with the Michigan National Guard. He was employed by Champion Incorporated in Iron Mountain as a Sales Engineer and Operations Manager retiring in 2000 after 31 years. Music was an important part of his life; he played the cornet in the Negaunee Drum and Bugle Corps, Negaunee City band, Ishpeming City band. Bruce also sang in church choirs for over 60 years with his beautiful tenor voice. He served on the Board of Directors of Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp and Trico Opportunities. He was an active member of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church serving on the church council and various committees. In retirement, Bruce enjoyed volunteering much time with Habitat for Humanity, working on the construction weekly crew. He and Jan traveled to Biloxi, Mississippi, Texas and Minnesota providing disaster relief. In 2008, they traveled to Tanzania, Africa to visit the Our Saviour's Companion Congregation of Kijitonyama where he made lasting friendships. He enjoyed hunting and fishing especially with his best buddy Larry and time with family at camp at Conway Lake and winter travels to Florida. Bruce was a kind, mild mannered man, jack of all trades, who always was willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. In addition to his parents, Bruce was preceded in death by his brother, George and his youngest son, Eric in April of 2014. Bruce is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Jan; His children, Todd (Kim) Collins and grandchildren, Anthony and Emily Collins of Aurora, IL and Kirstin (Matt) Rose and grandchildren, Hannah Tahtinen, Grace Tahtinen and Hayden Rose of Cedarburg, WI; daughter in law, Laura Collins and grandchildren, Lilly, Evan, Leah and Ethan Collins of Arlington Heights, IL; brother, Dan (Fae) Collins; sister in law, Jonelle Collins; sister in law, Barbara (Ray) Yunkari; brother in law, Ralph (Susan) Bjorne; many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 31, from 9:00-12:00 noon at Our Saviours Lutheran Church. Memorial services will follow at 12:00 noon Saturday at the church. Reverends Lori and Lee Liverance will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp or Our Saviour's Lutheran Church. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Bruce Collins online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.

Bruce H. Collins

March 2, 1938 - October 28, 2015