Danny Collins - Brookings

Sept. 7, 1941 - March 6, 2019

Posted

Danny Collins, age 77, of Brookings,  passed away on Wednesday, March 6, 2019, at the Avera McKennan Dougherty House in Sioux Falls. 

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 16, 2019 at the United Methodist Church in Clear Lake, SD. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery, Clear Lake, SD. Visitation will be Friday, March 15, 2019 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Clear Lake. The Houseman Funeral Home in Clear Lake is entrusted with the arrangements.  

Danny Lee Collins was born September 7, 1941, to Dean and Fern (DeKraai) Collins in the Clear Lake Hospital in Clear Lake, South Dakota. He enjoyed living on the farm near Brandt as a child until his family moved to Clear Lake in 1950. He met and married Judy (Beynon) Collins in Clear Lake on October 22, 1961. 

They raised their four children in Clear Lake. Danny began working for ITC when it was still Deuel Telephone in October of 1959 as a lineman. He enjoyed his work fixing and installing telephone lines for people. Dan enjoyed the company of others and he was blessed to have a job that allowed him the opportunity. He retired after 40 years of service. Dan was a member of United Methodist Church of Clear Lake and he was a member of the Board for several years.

Dan’s greatest joy came from spending time with his wife of 52 years and raising his children.  Dan made time with his children and grandchildren top priority in his life. He traveled to Minnesota, Washington, North Dakota and Nebraska to be with his family. He enjoyed watching various sports, dance, and play performances where his children or grandchildren were involved. In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting pheasant, fishing, and gardening. 

After retirement, he along with his buddy Gary Pfaffendorf and his brother in law Gus Beynon, did home repairs together. Danny loved working on various projects with his many tools. Danny enjoyed all family get togethers that involved visiting, laughing and playing cards, especially Pinochle. 

He moved with Judy to Brookings in July of 2014. After the loss of his wife, he joined the Brookings Senior Citizens Center where he made many friends and played pool. He was an active member of a pool league. He won some competitions and enjoyed it thoroughly.

Danny entered into eternal rest on March 6, 2019 surrounded by Connie, Scott, Joey, Al and his grandson Danny, in Sioux Falls. He was blessed with 77 years, 5 months and 27 days.

Danny is survived by daughter Connie (Alan) Nuese of Hendricks MN; two sons: Scott (Patty) Collins of Omaha, NE and Joey (Julie) Collins of Brookings; daughter-in-law Bobbi (John) Collins-Whitehead of Spokane, WA; 11 grandchildren Sammi Jo (Mitch) Rowe, Danny Nuese, Kylle Collins and Aidyn Whitehead, Breanna, Timmy, Scotty and Patrick Collins, and Peggy Sue and Judith Collins; great granddaughter Alice Rowe; brother Jack Collins and sister-in-law Lillian Collins both of Sioux Falls; many loving in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Dean and Fern Collins, his wife Judy Collins, son Kelly Collins, and brother Dave Collins.