Rodney Collins

On Friday, August 23, 2019 at the age of 81, Rodney L. Collins was called home to be with the Lord.  At the time of his passing, Rodney was a resident at Essentia Health-Oak Crossing in Detroit Lakes, MN along with his wife Mary Collins.

For family and close friends, a prayer service will be held at the David-Donehower Funeral Home 609 US Hwy 10 East in Detroit Lakes, MN on Friday, August 30, 2019 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm.  Funeral services will be held  Saturday, August 31, 2019 at 11:00am with visitation opening at 10:00am in the funeral home. Lunch will follow the service.  Pastor Tim Riley  of the Berean Baptist Church will be officiating.  A spreading of Rod’s  ashes ceremony will be held on Sunday, September 1, 2019 at 2:00pm at the Park River Bible Camp, 106 Solid Rock Circle in Park River, ND, sweets to follow ceremony. The David-Donehower Funeral Home is caring for Rodney and his family.

Rodney Lambert Collins, the son of Edward and Vida (Johnson) Collins, was born on November 19, 1937 in Eagle Point Township, Marshall County, Minnesota.  He attended high school in Thief River Falls, MN where he played as a goalie on the 1954 State Hockey Team.  After High School, Rodney joined the United States  Army, and was eventually re-located to the Winter Haven, Florida area where he met Mary Willis. They were married on November 19, 1966.

The two lovebirds moved to Park River, ND, where Rod,  known as “Buds,” went into the cement business at the Ready-Mix Plant with his brother Marvin and other family members.  Eventually, Buds moved on from the cement business and took on farming as well as delivering mail for the Park River Post Office. The highlight of  Rodney’s career was his time at the Park River Bible Camp, where he served the Lord for over 20 years.  Rodney was the maintenance man for the camp, and could be found regularly drinking coffee, chatting with the staff, and riding a golf cart around camp with a smile from ear to ear.

Rodney and Mary raised their son Mike “Pike” and daughter Kristi “K. Mooney” in Park River, ND.  In 2005, Kristi passed away, leaving Rodney and Mary to care for their granddaughter Trisha, “Little Bit”.

Over the years, in his free time, Rod enjoyed collecting old magazines . He loved talking “farming” and having his face “painted” by “Little Bit” as well as spending quality time with family and friends.  He also enjoyed being a member of the Bethel Baptist Church in Park River, ND.

Rod will be remembered for his sense of humor, kind words, and his loving soul.

Rod is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Mary, of Detroit Lakes, MN; son Rodney “Mike” (Karin) Collins, Fargo, ND; granddaughter Trisha (Devin) Collins and great-granddaughter, Paisley as well as several other grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Rod was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Vida; daughter, Kristi; and his siblings.

Donations requested to family for funeral expenses C/O Trisha Collins 816 West Main Avenue in Frazee, MN. 56544.

Rodney’s family wishes to thank the Hospice of the Red River Valley as well as Essentia Health-Oak Crossing staff.