Gary James Collins

Gary J. Collins, 84, passed away in the early morning of Tuesday, July 12, 2022, in his wonderful home of Oakhaven, a caring and loving assisted living residence in Shawano. Gary was born in Milwaukee on June 13, 1938, son of the late Donald and Eunice (Hage) Collins. He was the first born and an adored older brother to his five younger siblings.

After graduating from high school, Gary worked with the U.S. Forest Service in Oregon. He went on to graduate from college with a degree in education. He taught high school science in DePere. He married Mary Schlosser, and together they had three children, Jennifer, Suzanne and Michael. Gary’s family has many memories of family gatherings, fun weekends and summers at the lake, as well as his never-ending desire to teach and to give.

Gary is survived by his children, Jennifer (Matt) Zoll, Suzanne (Paul) Vu and Michael (Ashley) Collins; six grandchildren, Brandon Zoll, Kaleigh Zoll, Summer Vu, Lily Vu, Brinley Collins and Austin Collins; his former wife, Mary Raupp; and siblings, Leigh (Barbara) Collins, Kathy Bockhop, Christine (Jim) Tighe, Patricia (Gordy) Tonn, and Meg (Craig) Sedgwick. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

A celebration of life for Gary will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 23, 2022, at Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano. Visitation will begin at the funeral home at 1 p.m. on Saturday and continue until the time of the service.

Gary’s family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at Oakhaven and to ThedaCare at Home Hospice.

If you are unable to attend the celebration of life, in honor of Gary, please invite some friends to gather, make them a fancy meal, and during dinner say, “We eat like this every night!”

www.swedbergfuneralhome.com