Eric D. Collins

Eric was born January 13, 1972 in Ishpeming to Nancy (Kari) and Bruce Collins. Eric was a 1991 graduate of Westwood High School.

At age 14 Eric started working at Jim’s West Gate IGA as an incinerator cleaner and worked his way to Manager before leaving to start his career at Cliffs. He worked as a Certified Plant Assistant for Cleveland Cliffs at the Tilden Mine where he has been employed since 2006. He was a member of the United Steel Works Union Local 4974 and the Hope Free Lutheran Church.

Eric had many interests in life, hunting, fishing, camping, riding his Harley and taking rides on his side by side. He was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan. Eric was most of all a loving and caring husband, dad, son, brother and friend to many. He cherished times with his children watching them in all their activities. Eric was one never to sit around, he always kept busy doing projects and always willing to help others.

Eric married his high school sweet heart, Laurie A. (Richards) Collins, on August 20, 1994 who he is survived by, along with 3 children: Kimberley “Kimmy” Collins, Brenden Collins and Daven Collins, his mother Nancy (Kim) Mallett, his father Bruce (Mary) Collins, 4 siblings: Kristin (Shawn) Thornton, Chad (Linde Butler) Collins, Jessica (Ryan) Harper all of Ishpeming and Jason (Laura) Collins of Sobieski, WI, sister in law Genny (Paul) Parkkonen, brothers in law David (Kathy) Richards and Gary Richards, nieces and nephews: Ashlee Thornton, Daniel Thornton, an expecting niece Letty Harper, Tammy (Rick) Larmour, Paula (Cory) Vial, Brian (Cassie) Parkkonen, Joshua Richards, Jacob Richards and Sidney J. Richards, Sophie and Marcus Butler along with many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Eric was preceded in death by his grandparents: Andrew and Helen Kari, Frank and Helen Sarvello, Joseph and Betty Chapman, Grace Luoma, his in laws Lois and Simeon Richards, 2 special uncles Terry Mallett and Jim Manley and best friend Dave “Bubba” Borlace.

Eric’s family will greet relatives and friends from 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM on Saturday, March 10, 2018 at the Hope Free Lutheran Church in Ishpeming Twp. where Eric’s funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM with Pastor Dave Ryerson officiating.

In honor of Eric’s passion as an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan please wear your favorite sports attire.

A luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall.

Pallbearers will be Steve “Beaver” Moyle, Chris Carlson, Todd Poirier, Mark Bertucci, Chad Collins, Jason Collins, Daniel Thornton, Joshua Richards and Jacob Richards.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Eric’s memory may be directed to TruNorth Credit Union 1419 N. Second St Ishpeming, MI 49849 where a college fund will be established for his children.

Eric’s obituary may be viewed bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.