William “Bill” Collins

William “Bill” A. Collins, 63, of Waterville died Friday, August 17, 2018 at Good Samaritan Center in Waukon. Funeral services will be held Friday, August 24 at 11 a.m. at Old East Paint Creek Lutheran Church in rural Waterville with Pastor Ken Kimball officiating and burial in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, August 23 at Martin Funeral Home in Waukon.

William Allen Collins was born December 9, 1954 in Waukon, the son of Grant William and Vergene Joyce (Harris) Collins. He was baptized and confirmed at Old East Paint Creek Lutheran Church in rural Waterville. After graduating from Waukon High School, Bill furthered his education in Des Moines. He lived and worked on the family farm in Waterville, where he raised sheep. For several years, he also assisted with surveying for Bill Vorseth and Roger Mohn.

Bill was a member of Old East Paint Creek Lutheran Church. He loved his pet Basenji dogs, owning several throughout his lifetime, and also enjoyed gardening and driving his Gator around to visit the neighbors and his friends. Bill liked to deer and turkey hunt and going fishing, taking many trips to the Mississippi River and deep sea fishing off Mexico. Besides spending several winters in Mexico, Bill visited Scotland, England and France.

An auction addict, Bill collected many things, including antiques, cars, guns, knives, pictures, coins and Native American artifacts. Bill had an artistic side as well, drawing dogs and scenic pictures, and made bows, horses and canes through woodworking.

He is survived by a brother, Robert Collins of Dorchester; two sisters, Joyce (Dave) Kiley of Harpers Ferry and Carla Schulz of Lakefield, MN; a sister-in-law, Kitty Collins of Waukon; and many nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Russel Collins.

Honorary casketbearers are Rob Grangaard, Steve Harris, Gary Kolsrud, Kenny McCormick, Kent McCormick, Pedro Mundo, Jose Sotelo and Jose Antonio Meza. Casketbearers are Nathon Collins, Dillon Schulz, Dustin Rounds, Josh Volbrecht, Keith McCormick, Mike McCormick, Jacob McCormick and Ian McCormick.

Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.