Dean Collins, 73

Dean Francis Collins, 73, Osakis, died unexpectedly at his home on December 6, 2012.

Dean was born March 14, 1939 to Thomas and Irene (Sizer) Collins in Osakis.

He was a graduate with the Class of 1957 from Osakis High School. In addition to helping his family on the farm, he also worked for the Bellanca Aircraft Company in Alexandria. On April 18, 1960, Dean married his sweetheart, Karen Bruzik in Lake Reno. They lived in the Alexandria area until moving to Osakis in 1965.

For a time, Dean drove a milk delivery route. His next employment was as a meat cutter at the Red Owl grocery store and then later at Harry’s Grocery and also the Jack and Jill Grocery Store, all in Osakis. Landy’s Meat Packing Plant in St. Cloud offered Dean a job and for several years he worked there. After a job cutting meat for the Osakis Locker, Dean worked for Home Quality Foods (later called Polipnick’s Grocery) in Sauk Centre. His last employment before retirement was as an assistant manager at Elden’s Foods in Alexandria.

Dean was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Osakis and belonged to the Knights of Columbus. Dean was very musical and in his younger days, he and his wife, Karen and friends, Tom and Gail Pitschka had a band called the KarenDeanos. They played at many area dance halls. Dean played the guitar and banjo and also gave private lessons. He enjoyed the chance to make music and socialize. He also enjoyed being outdoors and was a big Twins and Vikings fan.

Dean is survived by his children, Tammy Brown of Elbow Lake, Todd Collins of Alexandria, Gina (Steve) Lang of Osakis and Dr. Michael Collins of Dania Beach, FL; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; brother, Duane (Edith) Collins of Mora; and three sisters, Jeanette Fearing of Oakdale, Sarah (Larry) Horton of Sauk Centre, Mary (Clinton) Skalsky of Waite Park; many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Karen, who died in 2009.

A Mass of Resurrection will be held Saturday, December 22 at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Osakis with a visitation time beginning at 10 a.m. Fr. David Petron is the officiant and musicians will be the church choir. Inurnment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Osakis. Honorary pallbearers are his siblings and their spouses, Duane and Edith Collins, Jeanette Fearing, Sarah and Larry Horton and Mary and Clinton Skalsky.

Arrangements are with Roy-Hetland Funeral Home in Osakis; www.royhetland.com.

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