On his return from the military, he attended and graduated from the University of Illinois, Champaign Urbana in 1964.
On June 3, 1959, Joe was married to Alice Elaine Butler. They lived in Champaign, and Mitchell, South Dakota before transferring to Fremont in 1970. Joe came to Fremont as the Director of the Fremont Parks & Recreation Dept. He retired in January of 1996.
Joe was a member of St. James Episcopal Church, and he was a member of the Alumni of the University of Illinois.
Survivors: wife - Alice
3 sons - Joseph Collins of Lincoln
Brian and wife Laura Collins of Colorado Springs, Colorado
Kevin and wife Marie Collins of Honolulu, Hawaii
3 daughters - Kathleen and husband Mike Huffman of Blue Springs, Missouri
Mary and husband Mark Luther of Hooper
Kelly and husband Jeff Husen of Fremont
15 grandchildren
1 great grandson (expected soon)
sister - Mary Blanchard of Chicago, Illinois
He was preceded in death by 3 brothers and a sister.
The funeral service will be 11 AM Thursday (July 14th) at St. James Episcopal Church with Rev. Jay Gabb officiating. The committal will follow in Ridge Cemetery with Military Honors by the Fremont Honor Guard of American Legion Post 20 and VFW Post 854. Memorials are suggested to the Friends of Fremont Area Parks Endowment Fund.
Visitation (with closed casket) will be on Wednesday at the Ludvigsen Mortuary, Fremont, from 3 to 8 PM, with the family receiving friends from 6 to 8 PM.
online guestbook @ www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(11)
Paul Ulrich
LaVista, NE Thursday, July 14, 2011 I never met your Dad but, I had the greatest summer job I could ask for working for the Parks & Rec as a Baseball Instructor in 1985 & 86 at Christensen Fields. I never forgot our fun track meet road trips Kathy (LaVern). Your Dad did good, and raised a good family. Hoping you and Mary cherish the memories.Amy Thompson
Lincoln, NE Thursday, July 14, 2011 I am sorry to hear about the loss of your father, the loss of a parent is very hard. I wish you all the best, your family is in my thoughts and prayers.Beth Bell
Maple Grove, MN Tuesday, July 12, 2011 Kathy and Family, I was a child friend of Kathy's on Monroe Street who was always welcome in the home of Joe and Alice. With all of those kids around what was one more? So many memories! I remember him paying his children to tickle his feet. I couldn't believe it because I couldn't touch my dads with him so ticklish. Joe's sneeze' were loud and long. One time he was taking all of us girls downtown and I thought we were going to run off of the road because of the sneeze. Such a happy kind man - he will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers will be with all of you. Beth (Hein) BellDuane and Helen Krause
Fremont, NE Tuesday, July 12, 2011 We always had such respect for Joe. Over the years we have worked with him on many occasions and he always was a gentleman. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.Gary & Gini Brescia
Gilbert, Az Tuesday, July 12, 2011 We would like to express our sympathy to your entire family. Gary having worked with Joe at the city as well as my parents, Willard & Darlene Williams having spent many fun times together with Joe & Alice. Dad (Willard Williams) thought of Joe as a great friend. Having lost Dad 4 months ago we know how deeply this hurts. Our hearts go out to you. Sincerely, Gary & Gini Bresciavicki day
Brunswick, Ga Tuesday, July 12, 2011 The Collins Family. How I remember every one of you.. I wrote a email to Kathy months ago about her Dad not knowing he was ill. He always was so sweet to us girls all the time. He would cook for us and always included me as one of you.. I remember Kathy and I always staying at your house more than mine. I guess cause their was so much always going on with all the kids. My Dad is also sick so I understand the way your heartaches. So I just wanted to take a few minutes and let you know your Dad had left wonderful chilhood memories in this womans life. Love you all. love, Vicki Harvey DayChris (Shada) Legband
Fremont, NE, Tuesday, July 12, 2011 My heart aches for the entire family for this tremendous loss. What a wonderful husband, father and grandfather he was. May the Lord wrap his arms around you during this difficult time.June westphal
Fremont, NE Monday, July 11, 2011 To the entire Collins Family, I am very sorry for your loss. Although i never knew Joe I feel like I do just from the conversations with Alice, Mary, and Kathy over the years we worked together. Please accept my sincere sympathies and know you are in my heart and prayers.Harris and Diane Harvey
Brunswick, Ga Monday, July 11, 2011 Harris and I are so very,very sorry to hear of Joe's passing, Our kids and theirs grew up together and spend many fun times together and the Collins home. Vicki esp. loved Mr. Collins and spoke very highly of him always. I know none of us will ever forget the fire in their house and how lucky those kids were to get out.That was Mr. Harvey's last call,with the fire dept,as we moved the next day to Ga. We left many fond memories of the Collins from "Monroe St" Our hearts and prayers go to all of you and you will all be in our prayers. Much Sympathy Harris and Diane HarveyTerri Kuss and family
Crete, NE Monday, July 11, 2011 My heart goes out to the entire family of Joe. What a special guy...and I have nothing but great memories of him, especially when Kathy and I were little girls, growing up on Monroe Street. Please know that you have my sincere sympathies. God Bless!Eric and Kim Taylor
Fremont, NE Monday, July 11, 2011 Joe was one of the best. He always had a smile on his face and a kind word to say. I enjoyed my many visits with him over the years. Jeff, Kelly and boys - our thoughts and prayers are with you through a very difficult time. Please know we are there for you. Eric, Kim, Jason and Braden Taylor