William P. "Bill" Collins' Obituary
William Patrick Collins, devoted husband, father and brother, lost his battle with cancer on January 26, 2024. Born on September 30, 1940, to James and Marie (Hurley) Collins, he grew up in Detroit, Michigan where he graduated from the University of Detroit Jesuit High School and earned his bachelor’s degree from Detroit Institute of Technology. He entered the U.S. Army in 1968 and retired after a 25-year career which included an 18-month tour in Vietnam where he served as a rifle platoon leader and an infantry company commander. His many awards included the Ranger Tab and Combat Infantry Badge but the accomplishment of which he was most proud was the knowledge that every soldier who served under him got to come home. After retiring from the Army, he worked as a letter carrier for the US Postal Service where he was active in the National Association of Letter Carriers. He was a Lifetime member of the Vietnam Veterans of America, VFW Post #8846, and a parishioner of Prince of Peace Catholic Parish. Bill is survived by his wife, Michalene, daughter, Theresa, son, Sean (Julianne), sister, Patricia (William) Vanderworp, brother James (Shirley) and many nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters Mary Ellen (John Charles) Walberer and Kathleen (James) Feeny. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, February 2 at 11:00 AM at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 1110 Dykstra Road, Muskegon, MI, 49445 with Rev. Fr. Godfrey Onyekwere presiding. Visitation will be held 4-6 PM Thursday, February 1, 2024 at The Lee Chapel of Systema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI 49444. The rosary will be prayed at 5 PM. The family will also receive mourners one hour prior to Mass on Friday. Interment will take place at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, MI. Memorial contributions may be made to Second Harvest Gleaners or Every Women’s Place. The family would like to thank the doctors and staff of Cancer and Hematology Centers for their skill and compassion and the many friends and neighbors and family who offered their support to Bill during his illness. You may sign the online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com
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