Mary L Collins

Mary L. Collins, 66, of Willmar died Saturday, September 11th at her home surrounded by her family.  Her funeral service will be 11:00 am, Saturday, September 18th, at Peace Lutheran Church with interment in Lebanon Cemetery, both in New London.  Visitation will be from 4-7:00 pm, Friday, September 17th, at Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar and on Saturday one hour prior to her service at the church.  Memorials are preferred to Peace Lutheran Church in New London, ALS Society or Carris Health Hospice. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar.  www.hafh.org

Mary Louise Collins was born January 22, 1955, in Willmar the daughter of Hubert and Verona (Skindelien) Thompson.  She attended elementary school in Sunburg/Kerkhoven and graduated from New London – Spicer High School with the Class of 1973.  Following high school, she went onto the University of MN, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene in 1977.  On January 22, 1977, (on her birthday), she was united in marriage to Mike Collins at East Norway Lake Lutheran Church.  To this union two sons were born, Jason and Kyle.  They made their home in Sauk Rapids and New London, prior to moving to Willmar in 2017.  Mary worked as a dental hygienist for 45 years, retiring from Eckman Dental in New London and Paynesville, in 2020. 

Mary was baptized in 1955 at Spring Creek Lutheran and confirmed her faith in 1970 at East Norway Lake Lutheran.  She was a member of Peace Lutheran where she was active in ladies aide, serving circle, choir and as an usher. 

Mary was proud of her heritage, never missing a chance to say “I’m 100% Norwegian!”

She was also active in the New London community, volunteering at Prairie Woods Elementary School, serving with the Chamber of Commerce, American Legion Auxiliary and New London Fire Department Auxiliary.  She enjoyed going to the lake, playing Farkle, various card games, and crocheting.  But most of all, she enjoyed time spent with her grandchildren. 

Surviving are her husband, Mike of Willmar; sons, Jason (Katie) Collins of Willmar, and Kyle (Christy) Collins of New London; and three grandchildren: Cayson, Kyndal, Kailey.

Also surviving are her mother, Verona Thompson of Willmar; siblings: JoAnn (Dave) Olson of Edmonton, Alberta, Jim (Diane) Thompson of Pennock, Marna (Rick) Kallevig of Pennock; sister-in-law, Pat Swenson of Otsego; and several nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Hubert Thompson; in-laws, Richard and Ruby Collins; and her grandparents.

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