Harold "Hal" Collins

Harold “Hal” Collins, 89, of Fergus Falls, died Friday, May 27, 2016, at Woodland Lodge.

He was born September 26, 1926, in Ft. Leavenworth, KS, the son of Howard Sr. and Marjorie (Jensen) Collins. He attended North Broadway Elementary School in Leavenworth, KS and graduated in 1944, from high school in Ruthton, MN. Following high school he entered the U.S. Navy Air Corps serving from 1944-1946. He then attended Bethany College in Lindsborg, KS, graduating with a Sociology degree in 1950. He taught high school biology, health and history in Moundridge, KS, coached football and was the Athletic Director. He later became the Assistant Director of Admissions and head football coach at Bethany College.

On June 10, 1951, he married Joan Krehbiel in Moundridge, KS. In 1961, he graduated with a Masters Degree in Psychology from Idaho State University in Pocatello, Idaho. While there, he was a Graduate Assistant in Counseling. He went on to take a position at Fergus Falls Community College, serving as Dean of Student Affairs and retiring as Vice Provost in 1987.

Hal was a member of Federated Church, serving on the Christian Education and Usher committees, and the Board of Directors. He assisted with Boy Scout Troop 351, served on the Health and Housing Committee and the Chamber of Commerce. He enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing, playing cards, watching football, and working with the students at the College. Being a husband to his wife and his family meant everything to him, “If you don’t have your family, you have nothing. I have been pretty lucky, my life has been full of good runs”.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Howard Collins Sr. and Marjorie Pedersen; his wife, Joan Collins; a brother, Howard Collins, Jr; sister, Lucille Folstad and his stepfather, Chris Pedersen.

Survivors include his children Pat (Tami) Collins of Fergus Falls, Scott (Karen) Collins of Bismarck, ND and Cynthia (Barry) LaVoy of St. Cloud; grandchildren, Tyler (Tara) LaVoy, Jon (Maire) Collins, Christine (Brent) Flatley, Craig Collins, Luke Collins and Amy Collins; great-grandchildren, Allura Wilson, Celine, Mariah, MaKayla and MaKenzie Collins and Olivia Flatley; a brother, Ken (Sandy) Collins of Woodland Hills, CA and a special companion, Marlene Noack of Fergus Falls.

Visitation: one hour prior to the service at the church
Memorial Service: 2:00 p.m. Friday, June 3, 2016 at Federated Church, Fergus Falls
Clergy: Reverends Doug Dent & Dr. C. Ed Morgan
Interment: private family burial at Knollwood Memorial Gardens, Fergus Falls