Earl L. Collins
January 21, 1926 - October 24, 2016
Obituary
KENOSHA/MONONA-Earl L. Collins, age 90, died on Monday, Oct. 24, 2016. He was born on Jan. 21, 1926, in Portage, the son of Marjorie and George. Earl was raised in Beaver Dam and attended school there until his enlistment in the U.S. Navy, serving in the South Pacific during World War II. After an honorable discharge, he continued his eduation at the Layton School of Art in Milwaukee where he met and married Joyce Shampo in Green Bay on Oct. 4, 1947. With the help of the G.I. Bill, Earl transferred to Milwaukee State Teacher's College and earned his B.A. in Art Education and his Master's Degree in Administration. His first job was in Kenosha where he built an outstanding Art Program. This prompted the Wisconsin Dept. of Instruction to recruit him to a State Department of Education position. Earl's interests were many and diverse. Besides skiing, bicycling and tennis, he was an avid hunter and fisherman. His greatest pride was designing and building a unique cabin in the woods. It was completely constructed from salvaged lumber from a barn he demolished in Kenosha County. Earl is survived by his wife, Joyce; children, Steven (Ann) Collins and Patricia Collins; four grandchildren, Dr. Dustin (Colleen) Maly and Jessica Maly, Megan (Joe) Sukowatey and Michael Collins; four great-grandchildren, Vincent Maly, Nolan Sukowatey, Olivia Sukowatey and Cecilia Maly; sister, Nedra Castle; brothers-in-law, Dr. Marc Shampo and Bruce Shampo; and many other nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Bob Collins; sister, Donna Trolla; and in-laws, Joan Derozier, George Shampo, James Shampo and Norma DeMarais. The family would like to thank the staff at Heritage Senior Living and Agrace HospiceCare. It is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608)221-5420
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Memories
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Anna Neil
Other •
My heartfelt condolences to the Earl Collins' family. Earl did so much to support and build the importance of art education in the school curriculum to benefit students. I appreciated it immensely. It certainly made me a better art educator.
Anna McNeil
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Bree
Other •
My condolences to the family
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Fred and LydiaWilkens
Other •
Earl was one of the most unique and talented individuals we had the privilege of knowing. Wonderful friend, who enjoyed nature, hunting, and fishing. He also loved reading and was one of the founders of the Peppermill Book Club.
Rest in peace dear friend.
Fred and Lydia Wilkens
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Marybeth Lewison
Other •
John and I remember Earl, the father of our good friend, Steve. Once, a long time ago we visited that cabin in the woods after a cross country ski outing. What a beautiful place Earl built! He must have been a wonderful man to have such wonderful children. Our sincere condolences to Joyce, Patricia and especially to our friend Steve. Mary Beth and John Lewison
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Roxanne Joyce
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My sincere condolences to Earl's Family. I had the privilege to work with Earl at the Department of Public Instruction in the mid to late 1970s. He was one of my bosses and was compassionate about his role as the Art Education Consultant. His contributions were many and will continue for many years. Roxanne Joyce