Donald Collins

Donald “Salty” Collins, 81, Broadwater, Nebraska, passed away Thursday, April 17, 2014 at his home surrounded by his family.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 am, Wednesday, April 23 at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Oshkosh, Nebraska with PMA Ann Bairn and Brenda Tophoj officiating. Burial will be a private family service at a later date.

Visitation shall be from 1:00 until 7:00 p.m., Tuesday April 22 at the Holechek Funeral Home at the corner of West Avenue D and West 2nd St in Oshkosh.

Memorials shall be made to the Broadwater Fire Department and the Festival of Hope Foundation based in Scottsbluff.

Don was born March 24, 1933 at home in Grant County Nebraska to Donald H. and Susie (Marker) Collins. He attended school in Hyannis through his junior year. He graduated from Curtis School of Agriculture in 1951 and then attended college at University of Nebraska and Wayne State. On December 6, 1955 Don was united in marriage to Whanda Phillips of Arthur, Nebraska; and to this union seven children were born.

Don was employed his entire work career in the Panhandle of Nebraska, working at a variety of jobs until they settled in Lisco, Nebraska. He hired on with Rushcreek Land and Cattle in April 1966 and was with the ranch until his retirement in 1998. Don and Whanda moved to Broadwater where they have enjoyed their retirement until his passing.

Don was instrumental in the organization of the Garden County Eagles Aerie 4283 and remained a member and supporter. He served on the Garden County High School board, the Lisco volunteer fire and rescue department, and as a member of the Garden County Sherriff’s Posse.

Don loved pitching horseshoes, fishing, and spending time at the lake with his extended family. He took great delight in spending time with his children and grandchildren and his wife of 58 years.

Don is survived by his wife, Whanda; seven children: Dee Dee (Bill) Dunlap of Oshkosh, Danelle (Rodney) Paulsen of Oshkosh, John Collins of Oshkosh, Jeff (Lisa) Collins of Bridgeport, Jason (Joby) Collins of Chadron, Darlyn Tucker of Cheyenne, WY, Jamie Collins (Marc Nichols) of Indianapolis, IN; 17 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. He’s also survived by sisters Janet (Darrell) Metcalf of Denver, CO; Judy Schroder of Hyannis; sister-in-law Caroldene Summers of Mullen; brothers-in-law Rennie (Marge) Phillips of Scott City, MO, Mick (Linda) Phillips of Arthur; and many nieces and nephews as well as numerous extended family and friends.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; mother and father-in-law Jesse and Goodrun Phillips; one brother-in-law Duane Summers, son in-law Zollen Tucker; and several nieces and nephews.