Martha Collins

Collins, Martha Strandlie MADISON/ SUN PRAIRIE - Martha Strandlie Collins, age 82, died on Tuesday, May 15, 2007. She was born on Aug. 18, 1924, to John and Karen (Tronnes) Strandlie, in Stoughton. Following graduation from Stoughton High School, Martha was employed for a time at the Dane County Farm Bureau in Madison. On March 5, 1945, she enlisted in the Womens Army Corps (WAC). Following Marthas training at 3d WAC Training Center, Fort Oglethorpe, Ga., she was certified as a medical and surgical technician. She later served in this capacity with the 125th WAC Hospital Company at McCaw General Hospital, Walla Walla, Wash., achieving the rank of T-5 and receiving a Victory Medal, American Theater Ribbon and Good Conduct Medal. Martha always considered her service in the Womens Army Corps as one of the most significant events of her life, providing her not only with valuable experience and the opportunity to serve her country during war time, but also with the life-long friendship of several women with whom she served. On March 20, 1946, Martha was married to the late Wayne T. Collins by the Rev. J. N. Walstead at Trinity Lutheran Church, Madison. She worked for many years at the former East Madison Savings and Loan at Schenks Corners. In later years, Martha devoted much of her time and energy to her church, Bethel Lutheran and especially its XYZ (Xtra Years of Zest) Seniors group. She is survived by a son, Timothy J. Collins of Dacula, Ga.; a daughter-in-law, Julia Johnson Collins of Dacula, Ga.; grandsons, Jon Strandlie Collins and Nils Christian Collins, both of Minneapolis, Minn.; a granddaughter, Kirsten Jean Collins of Portland, Ore.; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Martha was preceded in death by her infant son, Dwayne. A memorial service will be held at BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, Chapel of the Good Shepherd, 312 Wisconsin Ave., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 25, 2007, with the Rev. John Swanson presiding. Inurnment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 24, 2007. Memorials may be made to the XYZ Foundation, c/o Bethel Lutheran Church.