At the age of 94, our husband (boyfriend), daddy, brother, uncle, father-in-law and friend died peacefully with his family by his side in Spearfish, SD on Tuesday, June 23, 2009.
Glen was born the only son of Claude and Minnie (Hennings) Collins on September 25, 1914 in Dallas, SD, the oldest of 3 children. In 1916, Glen's parents homesteaded on a ranch near Norris, SD. Graduating from Belvidere High School in 1932, Glen went on to attend the University of Washington. After college, he returned to the family ranch. Glen enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942. On October 7, 1942 Glen was united in marriage to Kathryn Mechaley. After serving 4 years in the Army, Glen was honorably discharged as a Major with a purple heart and two bronze stars. Glen and Kathryn then returned to the ranch. In 1963 they purchased Kamp Kool Motel in Spearfish and with their 11 children operated the motel until 1979. After their retirement, the couple continued their travel adventures, visiting family from Florida to Alaska.
Glen leaves behind his wife of 67 years, Kathryn; children: Glen (Ruthie) of Acworth, GA; Mary (Dann) Vore of Beulah, WY; Joanne Collins (Jack Simpson) of Wasilla, AK; John of Spearfish; Susan (Mike) Johnson of Huntley, MT; Rebecca Myren (Harlan French) of Anchorage, AK; Tom (Lynda) of Laramie, WY; Jeanne (Bruce) Hanson of Spearfish; David (Thirza) of Sahuarita, AZ; Chris (Tom) Bullard of Sterling, AK; Steven (Trudy) of Valley City, ND; 24 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; sisters: Fern Lindskov and Leila Dithmer; numerous nieces and nephews.
Glen was preceded in death by his parents and daughter-in-law, Carlene Collins.
Visitation for Glen will be Monday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel. Vigil service will be 7:00 p.m. Monday at Saint Joseph's Catholic Church with a Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday. Glen will be laid to rest in Black Hills National Cemetery 1:30 p.m. Tuesday. Memorials may be made in his name to Hospice of the Northern Hills or Saint Joseph's Catholic Church.