Dennis K. Collins
Dennis K. Collins, 71, of Willmar, Minnesota died Monday, December 25, 2023 at CentraCare-Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar. His Mass of Christian Burial will be 1:00 p.m., Monday, January 8 at Church of St. Mary with interment in the church cemetery. Visitation will be 3-5:00 p.m., Sunday, January 7 at Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar and continue one hour prior to the mass on Monday.
Dennis Keith (Denny) was born January 1, 1952, in Williston, ND, the son of Merlyn and Donna (Svea) Collins. He grew up in Benson, Minnesota and worked at the local grocery store in Benson. Later in 1972, he started working as an orderly at Rice Memorial Hospital. He then became a surgical transport orderly until health reasons required him to stop working.
September 11, 1981, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Mary Ellen Thoma. They enjoyed traveling, and going out for breakfast at Perkins where they ordered their favorite meal, “the fabulous five.” When Mary Ellen wasn't working, they enjoyed just spending time together. They shared a wonderful life together. Denny also had a love for cars, cooking and his recipes. The family get-togethers won’t be the same without his famous buns and pumpkin pie.
Denny is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen, siblings: Steve (Diane) Collins, Jeff (Margaret) Collins, Jody (Jackie) Collins, Bonnie (Gary Michaels) Wrobleski, Luann (Bruce) Moen, Tim Collins, and many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Merlyn Collins, his mother, Donna Mae Harder, and stepfather, John Harder. Also preceding him in death were his brothers: Michael and Gary, and nephew, Jay Collins.
