May 4, 2023 at 2:06 p.m.
Larry R. Collins
Larry R. Collins
After spending his youth in Laona, Larry enlisted in the United States Army in 1947 at the age of 17 and shortly thereafter served in Japan. Larry decided to make the Army a career in 1949. He met the love of his life, Sieglinde Ursula Alt (Rosalie), while stationed in Germany. They were married on April 21, 1956. They were blessed with over 67 years of marriage. Their first child, Alice Emily Collins, was born in 1957 in Nuremburg, Germany. Their second child, Larry Collins II, was born in 1959 in Fort Campbell, Ky.
Larry proudly served his country for 22 years before retiring from the military in 1970 as a First Sergeant. Over the course of his military career, he had combat tours of duty in Korea and Vietnam, in addition to serving in Europe under NATO three different times.
During his military career, Larry was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Valor, The Bronze Star Medal for Meritorious Service, a Korean Service Medal, a World War II Occupation Medal, two National Defense Medals and five Good Conduct Awards.
Towards the end of his military career, Larry successfully completed correspondence courses in Advanced Wildlife Management and General Conservation from The North American School of Conservation.
After retiring from the military, Larry moved the family back to his native Wisconsin, settling down in Rhinelander. Always wanting to better himself, Larry attended Nicolet College and took classes in Timber Production and Forest Management. After making the dean's list, he successfully graduated with a diploma in Timber Production.
Larry accepted a position as lumber yard foreman for Marplex Products in 1971. He held this position for two years before starting his own business, Collins Sawmill, in 1973. Larry and Rosalie together ran a successful business before selling it in 1978.
In 1979, Larry studied to earn a plumber's license. He accepted a position for Jerry's Trenching in the Rhinelander area until 1983, performing installations of outdoor plumbing systems. Later that year he decided to go back to his military roots and took a position at the prestigious St. John's Military Academy in Delafield. He proudly served as a TAC Officer in charge of two Cadet units. Larry held this position until 1987 before accepting a position for The State of Wisconsin as a Girl's Youth Counselor at Lincoln Hills School in Irma. He cherished the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of troubled youth and was beloved by many.
Larry retired from Lincoln Hills in 1993 at the age of 63. He and Rosalie enjoyed their retirement and enjoyed traveling all over the United States. On July 4, 1995, he was blessed with a grandson, Jesse Raymon Collins.
Larry had many passions including hunting and fishing, hiking, spending time with his family and the occasional trip to the casino.
Larry is survived by his wife, his daughter Alice Collins, his son Larry Collins II, his grandson Jesse Collins, his brother Jesse (Laurel) Collins, nieces, nephews, other family and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Garnett Smith, Odeal DesJarlais, Colleen Firgens and Alice Collies and his brothers Douglas and George. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Graveside services and honor detail will be held on Friday, May 19, 2023 at noon at the Laona Cemetery in Laona. You may leave your private condolences for the Collins family at www.carlsonfh.com. The Carlson Funeral Home (715-369-1414) is serving the Collins family.
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