Ronald Collins

Ronald James Collins, 55, of Jenkins, went home to the Lord on November 4, 2009, after fighting cancer since May 2008. He was surrounded by his wife and caregiver, Alison, and the love and devotion of his two precious sons, Dylan, 7, and Austin, 5.

Ron was born and raised in Houston and adored the Lone Star State, often calling it a country in itself. A graduate of Houston's Jesse H. Jones High School, his adventurous spirit heard the highway calling and he hit the road, landing in Minnesota in 1994. He and Alison met when she worked and he volunteered at Catholic Charities in Minneapolis. It was not love at first sight as Ron irked Alison by convincing all the other volunteers to go with him next door to watch whatever sporting event was on TV at the time. Ron's lifetime love of sports included just about everything, but fishing and football were favorites, and he shared his passion and knowledge with Dylan and Austin every chance he got. He especially enjoyed the beaches of Galveston and the challenge of reeling in a Big Red, which he did several times. One of his kids' favorite memories is shooting their first BB guns with their dad.

Ron and Alison, or "Baby", as he called her, moved to Brainerd in 1999 and married in Galveston in May 2000. He worked in the bread business for several years and liked driving and exploring "up north". The addition of Dylan and Austin filled their hearts and made their family complete, and Ron relished his role as dad. Ron was proud to know and recite numerous Bible passages by heart. He loved his life, his wife, and his sons.

Ron is survived by his wife, Alison; sons, Dylan and Austin; brothers, Billy (Patty) and Chris (Kathy), both of Houston, TX; and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom he treasured.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Dorothy Collins.

A celebration of life will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, November 7, at First Lutheran Church, Pine River. Visitation will be Friday from 5 to 7 PM at Kline Funeral Home, Pequot Lakes, and one hour prior to the service at the church.