John Francis "Jack" Collins

John Francis “Jack” Collins, 87, longtime Superior area resident, passed away Thursday, November 27, 2014 in his residence surrounded by his family.

Jack was born on November 18, 1927 in Hurley, Wisconsin, the son of Albert F. and Emma M. (Perlberg) Collins.

He attended the Crosier Preparatory Seminary, Onamia, Minnesota in 1945, the St. Francis Seminary, Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1947, receiving a BA in Psycho-Sociology. Jack went on to Superior State Teachers College, receiving a BS in EngIish-Latin and Physical Education in 1950.

He served his Country in the United States Army from 1950 to 1952 as a Sergeant during the Germany Army of Occupation. He then joined the Wisconsin Army National Guard, serving from 1952 to 1963. He was stationed in Fort Lewis, Washington from 1960 to 1961 as a Recon Officer with 724th Engineer Battalion as First Lieutenant and Captain.

He was employed with Holden Insurance and Finance Company from 1952 to 1958 and during this same time he was employed with First Credit Corp./Pacific Finance Co. from 1952 to 1962 and Ryan Insurance Agency from 1962 to 1963.

He then went on to work for the State of Wisconsin for the Grain Commission in 1963 as an Administrator. In 1978 he became Personnel Manager for the University of Wisconsin, Superior. From 1978 to 1989 he was the Branch Manager of M & I First National Bank.

Following his retirement he was employed with the Downs-LeSage and Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Homes from 1990 to 2011.

Jack married Patricia A. McMullen on January 9, 1954 at Cathedral of Christ the King Catholic Church in Superior and celebrated 60 years of marriage.

He was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church where he served on the Parish Council, was a lector, gift bearer, usher, lay minister and Eucharistic minister. He also served as president of the Rotary Club in 1973 and a life member of the VFW Post #1091. He was a former member of St. Patrick Catholic Church where he served on the Parish Council, was a lector and CCD teacher. He was also a former member of United Commercial Travelers #333, the BPOE #365 where he served as chaplain from 1994 to 1997; and a member of the ABC Veterans Bowling League since 1953; past member of the Red Cross Board and worked on the United Way of Superior and Douglas County.

Jack also was an avid bow hunter, liked to bowl and play fast pitch softball.

In addition to his wife Pat, Jack is survived by one son, Michael S. (Susan) Collins, Superior; four grandsons, Michael (Kristina), Scott, William and Joseph Collins; one brother-in-law, James (Mary) McMullen, St. Cloud MN; several nieces and nephews special family, Jim and LouAnn Ross and their children, Jamie, Sean and Andrew and Rob and Joan Leitha and their children, Tyler and Greta.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Arthur W. Collins in 1997; Roy E. Collins in 2013 and his sister, Ruth E. Karaba, in 2004.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, Friday, December 5, 2014 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Superior and will continue until the 11:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial with Rev. Fr James Tobolski as celebrant.

Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Superior.

Pallbearers for the service will be Jack’s grandsons, Michael Collins, Scott Collins, William Collins, Joseph Collins, Sean Ross and Andrew Ross.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Laurence Erickson, Charles Filteau, Knute Pederson, James Ross, Gary Dunning and Bill Stuart.

The Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

To send a condolence or sign the on-line guest book, visit our website at www.lenroot-maetzold.com.