Charlotte Collins

Charlotte K. (Zarn) Collins began her journey to the Lord on Sunday, November 12, 2017 after a long struggle with her health.

Born to Arthur and Isabelle (Nelson) Zarn, January 31st 1953 of Fort Ripley, MN. She attended a country school in Fort Ripley and graduated from Brainerd High School 1971. She married Dewayne Collins January 8, 1972 in Brainerd and they had two children Dewayne Jr. (DJ) and Stacie (Bednarek).

Charlotte lived an entrepreneurial life with Dewayne that started with her running an at home day care from 1978 to 1986 while Dewayne worked for the Railroad. While Dewayne was laid off from the Railroad in 1982 he decided to purchase a small refuse business of 375 customers. Charlotte started driving a pick-up route in 1986 and drove until 1991. When Dewayne went back to work the Railroad 1992, she then took the primary responsibility of managing Blue Lakes Disposal for the next 35 years. A company she and her family grew to over 6,000 customers. When Dewayne retired they made the decision to sell the business so they could spend time together. Charlotte was an Auxiliary member of both the American Legion and VFW.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband Dewayne Sr., Son Dewayne Jr. (Krista), Delani, Blake Collins of Brainerd, MN, daughter Stacie (and Dan) Ayden, Isabell Bednarek of Baxter, MN, her siblings Arlene (and Bruce) Brubaker, of Fargo, ND, Shirley Lusk of Olathe KS, Bruce Zarn of Crosby, MN, Nieces, Nephews, and friends. Charlotte was preceded in death by her parents and grandson Linden Bednarek.

Charlotte was clearly loved and will be sadly missed by her family and friends.