Memorial
Gene M. Collins, age 89, of Marion, Iowa, previously of Cedar Rapids, died Thursday, April 10, 2014 at his residence.
A memorial service will be held 10 AM Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at Hope United Church of Christ in Hiawatha officiated by Pastors Mary Beth Hartenstein and Glenn Hunt. Visitation: 5-7 PM Tuesday at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. Inurnment with military honors will take place at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.
Memorial donations in Gene’s name may be directed to Hope United Church of Christ or Meals on Wheels.
Gene Marshall Collins was born April 6, 1925 in Battle Creek, Nebraska to Edward and Evelyn (Marshall) Collins. After graduating high school, he served honorably in the United States Navy during World War II. He was married to Veva E. Schwinderman for 57 years. Together they enjoyed many years of retirement and travels.
Gene worked as a manager of the furniture department of Montgomery Ward until his retirement in 1984. He was a resident of Linn County since 2003. Gene was a member of the Masons for over forty years, and he was proud to be a U.S. Veteran. He was a member of Hope United Church of Christ.
Gene loved to spend time with his dog, Toots. Together they spent many hours watching Lawrence Welk and old Westerns, especially Gunsmoke. He will be remembered for his love of chocolate chip cookies.
He is survived by his children Bruce (Kathy) Collins of Omaha, Nebraska; Chris (John) Chapman of Ely, Iowa; and Gary (Cindy) Collins of Marion, Iowa; nine grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; sister Claire (Wayne) Swayngim of Hendersonville, North Carolina; two sisters-in-law; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Veva in 2002; grandson Cory; great-granddaughter Elysia; and two brothers: Richard and Keith.