Lowell Collins

Life History for Lowell Collins

Lowell Collins, age 93 left this world for his new life on December 13, 2020 from the Galeon in Osakis where he was a resident.

On June 3, 1927 John and Mildred (Virgin) Collins welcomed a son into their lives in Gordon Township, Todd County, MN.  They named him Lowell John.  He helped on the family farm located east of Osakis and attended country school through the eighth grade.  He met a lovely young lady named Audrey Olson and soon wedding bells would ring.  They were married on October 19, 1957 in Osakis, MN.  They made their home on the farm until 1965 when they moved into town.   Lowell also worked at Deluxe Oil and Withers Manufacturing in Osakis and eventually was hired at 3M in Alexandria where he worked for  23 years until retirement in 1990.   The Collins were members of Osakis Methodist Church and Lowell was the resident handy-man for any repairs that were needed.  He was also the go-to guy for the family whenever anyone needed help repairing houses or vehicles.  Lowell was a natural working with his hands and never minded doing repairs to help others.  He also made wooden craft projects to give as gifts for family and friends.  He was very fond of his ‘B’ John Deere tractors and was always tinkering on one or any number of lawnmowers or other machines.  He loved children and so enjoyed when the grandkids would come over.  They loved when Grandpa and Grandma babysat them.  He even tended the local skating rink for the area children. Other hobbies included ice fishing, traveling and Monday night burgers while socializing with friends.  Slow drives around the lake or annual family trips made for many great memories.  He was a kind and loving husband, father and grandpa who will be so dearly missed by all who knew him.

Lowell is survived by his wife of 63 years, Audrey Collins of Osakis; children, Dennis Collins of Osakis, Keith (Sandra) Collins of Austin, Texas, Jean Akervik of  Kensington and Dawn (Gary) Niehaus of Rosemount; 9 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren and two on the way.  He will be welcomed home to heaven by his parents, siblings, Jocelyn Meier and Virginia Anton; daughter-in-law, Brenda Collins and Jean’s soulmate, Tony Hammitt.

The family will hold private services (which will be recorded and viewable afterward on the funeral home website) but invites the public to a visitation for Lowell on Friday, Dec. 18,2020 from 5 – 7 pm at the Roy-Hetland Funeral Home in Osakis.  Graveside services for all who would like to attend will be on Saturday, Dec. 19 at 11:45 am at Gordon Pleasant Hill Cemetery with Rev. Rich Fitzer officiating.  Casket bearers are his nine grandchildren, Joy (Ryan) Larson, Sara Blaeser, John Collins, Melissa and Gabriella Solorzano, Amy (Greg) Friedrichs, Eric (Catherine) Akervik, Krista (Anthony) Tapio and Steven (Jamie) Niehaus.

Condolences and memories may be left on his Tribute Wall.