Charles ‘Chas’ H. Collins Jr.
Charles ‘Chas’ H. Collins Jr.
NEGAUNEE, MI — Charles “Chas” H. Collins Jr. passed away on Aug. 21, 2018, at Hospice House, Kenosha, Wis. His quick wit, sense of humor and devotion to family were key to his 30 plus years of sobriety and 60 plus years of marriage.
Born Nov. 2, 1932, in Negaunee, MI, he was the son of the late Charles and Grace Collins.
He graduated from Negaunee High School. He served in the U.S. Army and served during the Korean War from 1952-54 in Korea.
He worked in the iron mine in Negaunee before moving to Kenosha to work at American Motors. He retired after 30 years and was a proud member of UAW.
He married Marlene (Himanka) on June 16, 1956 at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Negaunee.
In addition to the Motors, Chas owned and operated Collins Gutter Service. He worked alongside his son Steven, the two original “Gutter Guys.” After retiring a second time, he turned the truck and the brake over to his grandson, Matt Rock.
Chas enjoyed many hobbies including flipping houses, collecting and refinishing antiques, fishing, and hunting with his son and grandsons even though they usually came back with an empty truck. He was a Packer fan and loved to listen to Hank Williams. And for the record, he and his partner Steve won the last two games of Smear against Marlene and Clara, just a few weeks ago.
If you were lucky, you got a chance to hear his beautiful baritone voice singing in one of several church choirs he joined over the years.
Chas and Marlene had many homes including Kenosha, Clintonville, Tigerton, and Dunnellon, Fla., but his favorite place to be was at Camp on the Dead River in the UP. He also enjoyed spending holidays with his family in Baltimore.
He is survived by his wife Marlene; his son Robert (Pia) of Baltimore; his daughter Laurie of Kenosha; his grandsons, Matthew (Veronica), Steven (Erin), Erik, David (Sharon); his granddaughters, Linnea and Tricia (Josh); his great-grandchildren, Alexis, Mariah, Landon, Logan and Liam Charles; his brothers, Jim (Megs) of Negaunee, Bruce (Mary) of Ishpeming, MI, Steve of Republic, MI, Phil (Chris) of Gwinn, MI.; and sisters, Mary Johnson and Barbara Vansickle, both of Florida; and a brother-in-law Russ Eckloff of Marquette. Chas also opened his heart to “adopted” grandchildren, Chelsea, Bailey and Ani.
He was preceded in death by his son Steven; a brother Bob; and two sisters, Glenora and Sharon.
A service and burial are being planned in Negaunee. More information will be available at a later date.