Nathan Collins

Nathan L. Collins, age 91, passed away peacefully in the early morning of Sunday, November 13, 2016. Nate was born to William and Ivy Collins on May 16, 1925, at Bethesda Hospital, St. Paul, MN. Shortly thereafter, his family moved to Webster, WI, where he attended high school and graduated in 1943. After working for a while on the Great Northern Railroad section gang, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. While training in San Antonio, TX, he met his future wife, Annie Schmidt. He was stationed in Germany and after serving a two-year stint, he returned to Superior, WI, with Annie. They then moved to Minnesota (Deerwood, Bemidji, St. Paul) and he began a long career as a Telegrapher and station agent for the Northern Pacific Railroad. Nate Retired as a Station Supervisor with the Burlington Northern Railroad in St. Paul in 1982. Moving back to Wisconsin, Nate built a retirement home on Lake Viola. Several years later he built a home on Dongola Road. This past year, Nate and Annie resided at Glenview Assisted Living in Shell Lake. Nate enjoyed reading and woodworking. He was happy and proud to have made many pieces of furniture and other items for Grace United Methodist Church in Webster, and for many friends and family. He was active in the Webster Lions for many years, and was a member of the American Legion. He served on the Sand Lake Township Board for several years. Nate is preceded in death by his parents, William and Ivy; and his sister, Nancy Peterson (Duane) of Superior, WI. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Annie; sons: Steven Collins (Gayle) of Aurora IL and David Collins (Joey) of Walker MN; daughter, Rebecca Tsantrizos (George) of Bluffton SC; seven grandchildren: Alison Riggio (Joe) of Corona del Mar CA, Amy Lievers (Brett) of Excelsior MN, Joshua Collins (Jackie) of Walker MN, Lance Provo (Jennifer) of Jaynesville WI, Rena Husten of Newport News VA, Jennifer Gladen (Dan) of Naperville IL, and Andy Collins (Brenna) of Las Vegas NV; twelve (two more on the way) great-grandchildren; and sister, Natalie Sloan (Loren) of Gordon, WI. The funeral service for Nate Collins will be conducted at 11:00 am (visitation 10:00 to 11:00 am), Wednesday, November 16, 2016, at Grace United Methodist Church in Webster, WI, with Pastor Eddie Crise officiating. Full military honors will conclude the service at church, followed by a fellowship luncheon. Interment will be in Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Spooner, WI. Casket bearers are: Steven Collins, Andy Collins, David Collins, Joshua Collins, Lance Provo, and Brett Lievers. Arrangements have been entrusted with Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, WI.