Lynn A. Collins, age 70, of Gladstone passed away on June 11, 2022 at the Lakeview Assisted Living-Memory Care in Gladstone.
Lynn was born January 15, 1952 in Escanaba, the son of Roland and Ingrid (Bajanen) Collins. He attended and graduated from the Escanaba High School in the Class of 1970. He was united in marriage to Kathleen Sue Sturdy in Escanaba on May 26, 1971. He was a lifelong resident of Delta County and employed at the Mead/New Page Paper Company for 39 years. He enjoyed spending time at hunting camp with friends and riding motorcycles. He was a talented athlete, competing in wrestling, basketball, track and football. He always loved the game of football, first as a player in high school and would continue using that passion and skill into college. He frequently spent his Friday nights watching local football games. His favorite thing was spending time with his grandchildren. He was a constant supporter, from watching their sporting events to reading or fishing and hunting with them. He also encouraged the kids to cook with the kindest of critiques. Lynn’s house was always open and filled with food and laughter. A place where anyone could feel at home. He was genuinely one of the kindest and most selfless people you could meet. He was also always there to lend and ear and offer some wise advice. A true friend to all, he will be dearly missed.
Lynn is survived by his children, Andrew (Kathy) Collins of Plover, WI and Heather (Mike) Sylvester of Flat Rock; grandchildren, Mackenzie Skye Collins and Timothy and Ashley Sylvester; siblings David (Janice) Collins of Escanaba, Sandy (Ralph) Hord of Denton, TX, Patrick (Judy) Collins of Minneapolis, MN and Lance (Linda) Collins of Escanaba and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Kathleen, his son, Christopher, his parents and siblings, Wayne, Roger, Darryl and Terry.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, July 2 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Skradski Family Funeral Home in Escanaba. Memorial services will follow at 2:00 PM with Rev. Dr. Lon Hider officiating. Lynn will be laid to rest in the Gardens of Rest Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Lynn’s name may be directed to the Alzheimers Association.
Gary Moersch - Gilbert , AZ
My condolences to family n friends, went to school with Lynn
Lynn Ellen Buckland-Brown - MARQUETTE, MI
Having hung out with Sandy during high school, I got to know Lynn as a kind, thoughtful “older brother”. Thoughts and prayers to his brothers, sister Sandy, and other family members and friends.
Thomas Pietsch - Gladstone, MI
Lynn was a nice guy. I liked him very much. I enjoyed being with him and talking to him along with hearing his stories. I always felt very comfortable around him and we had a lot of laughs together. I helped him out a few times and was happy to do so because he was such a likable guy. I will miss him as I know others will. I will pray for him on his journey with Christ.
Mike Collins - Wauwatosa, WI
Rest in peace, Uncle Lynn. You taught me to see the best in every person. The twinkle in your eye and laughter that you shared will remain in my heart forever.
Lynn Chylek - Escanaba, Mi
The Collins family was a big part of my childhood and young teenage years….Mrs. Collins and my mom were very good friends and raised their large familes with similar values and expectations. We all shared the same church and my mom was always amazed how Ingrid fortified her family with wonderful casseroles and baked goods! My mom always held high how Indgid and Roland raised 8 boys and 1 girl…there was always something going on…I remember when the North town moms coffee clatched at our house and talked about the “shenigens” going on in their households!! Lynn especially impacted me…he was 2 years older than me and in high school, whenever he ran into me he was always kind and asking me if everything was going ok…(I was very shy and and introverted). Oh how I savored his concern. I will always hold Lynn high and my sorrow for the Collins family is vast.
Gary & Becky Lehman - Escanaba, MI
To Lynn’s entire family my wife and I send our sincere condolences. I spent many years in the Collin’s household on Washington Avenue. Dave, Pat, Sandy and Lance…your family will always bring back mostly great memories! Rest in Peace Lynn and enjoy your new life in God’s heaven!
F. Stephen Henslee - Overland Park, KS
I was in Lynn’s high school class at Escanaba and played on the football team with him. I knew him as a very fun loving, popular guy who was a fierce competitor on the field and lifted up his teammates. I find it interesting that Lynn, #70 on the football team, a member of the Escanaba High School Class of ‘70, passed at age 70. Seems like some kind of symmetry.
My condolences to his survivors, who should keep this thought. Lynn didn’t leave you. He merely went on ahead of you. Our faith tells us that you’ll see him again one day. In the meantime, we pray that your tears of sorrow soon turn to tears of joy as you remember all the good there was in Lynn.
Susan R Coplan - Escanaba, Mi
Lance, Linda and the entire Collin’s family.
Lynn was such a nice man. I also liked his wife too! Whenever I’d see him we’d reminisce the Collin’s and Coplan families. His obituary was one of the most heartfelt ones I’ve ever read. I didn’t know him that well. After reading it I felt I knew him so well and could feel genuine warmth of such a kind soul. I sent this to my sister Diane and said he was a gem and so were your parents. Love each other as he loved you!!!! Memories are the best! Each passing day think of them and they will certainly ease the pain. Bless all of you. With love from my heart ♥️ Susie Coplan
Paula (Bajanen) Murphy - Manistique, MI
My sincere condolences. My heart goes out to family and friends. So many fond memories as a child with Lynn when we would come up each summer for family vacations. He was so much fun! Sending BIG hugs and much love, Paula (Bajanen) Murphy
Susan J Kahon - Dover, AR
Rest In Peace, Lynn. You were always good to me, no matter what. I am sorry for the family’s loss.
Jane Collins - Olathe, KS
I have nothing but good memories of Uncle Lynn. He was fun and kind. I have lots of memories especially from the house in north Esky as a child.
My sincerest condolence’s to Andy and Heather and your families.
Susan J Kahon - Dover, AR
I remember Lynn as being very kind, that is rare in this world today. RIP
Michelle Collins - Grovetown, Ga
I am just now seeing this. Mr Lynn was a great man and person. Showed nothing but love and acceptance to me as a young girl leaving Scotland and I will never forget hie love and help when I was so young and in a new place. Rest in peace Mr Lynn.