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Thompson & Kuenster Funeral Home - Oak Lawn

5570 95th St.

Oak Lawn, Illinois

John Collins Obituary

Collins, John Joseph Beloved one and only of Alice Halpin Collins. Married 54 Wonderful Years. Youngest son of Mae and Sidney Collins. John's older brothers were Charlie (Mary) deceased and Joe (Erica). John was a loving, devoted father to Jack (Angel), Mike (Chris), Bill (Joanne), Dan (Nancy), and his princess, Amy Collins Suessen (Terry). As each of them left home to marry and build their own homes, the family motto became 1-800-Call-Dad. Whether they called him Papa or Grandpa, his grandchildren thrilled his heart, Brandon O.L.P.D. (Catherine), Lcpl Jonathan Collins USMC (KIA Iraq, 8-8-04), Lauren, Devon, Mikey, Courtney, Kayla, Moira, Maeve, Cian, Danny, Aidan, Claire, Katie, Liam, Finnegan and Keegan. Equally treasured were his great-grandchildren, Bryden, London and Remi. Camp Collins came to life every summer in John's backyard with a swimming pool, a tree house that he and Mikey built, and of course, ice cream. John was a proud, loyal member of Pipefitters Local 597 for 43 hard-working years. At St. Gerald Parish, he was a devoted Eucharistic Minister and visited the homebound, as well as serving as the Boy Scout Leader from 1972 until 1978. John also served on the Oak Lawn Planning and Development Commission. In 2004, he and Alice established GIFTS FROM HOME. Through the generosity and concern of hundreds of people, thousands of Christmas gifts were sorted and packed by many friends and mailed to our military in Iraq and Afghanistan. The standard line at the Oak Lawn Post Office was, "O! Here Comes John and His Boxes. I'm taking my lunch break." John was noted for his hospitality. No one had more fun than he did at his home with friends close at hand. In times of need, he was a true source of comfort to his nieces and nephews. Funeral Saturday 10:15 a.m. from Thompson & Kuenster Funeral Home, 5570 W. 95th St., Oak Lawn to St. Gerald Church for Mass at 11:00 a.m. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Visitation Friday, August 22 from 2:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. A special heartfelt thank-you to Dr. Jorge Balandrin, Dr. Amar Hamad and the many compassionate oncology nurses at Christ Medical Center. Pat, Lena and Judy were his angels who wrapped their wings around him. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Jonathan Collins Activity Center at St. Gerald's Parish, 9349 S. Central Avenue, Oak Lawn, IL 60453 would be deeply appreciated. www.thompsonkuensterfuneralhome.com 708-425-0500.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Aug. 21, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for John Collins

Not sure what to say?





Ben Dekker

August 25, 2014

I was very sorry to hear of John's passing. We really enjoyed his company at the bocce court in Naples, Florida. He had some great conversation with his many friends and associates while we were waiting our turn to roll the bocce ball and especially when we went out to lunch afterward. It was a pleasure to have been an acquaintance of this special person.
Ben Dekker

August 24, 2014

Our thoughts go out to you and your family. He was a great man to get to know and am happy I had that chance. Keith & Joanne Saville (Bocce player)

Peggy & John Doyle

August 24, 2014

A light of peace and prayer to you and your family Alice.

We are so sorry for your loss!!

August 23, 2014

Dear Alice and Family, we send our heartfelt condolences and sympathy in the loss of John, a wonderful loving person. We wish you comfort and peace thru this difficult time.

Gary and Carol Jackson (formerly of Naples Florida now Flat Rock, Michigan)

August 23, 2014

FIRST MET JOHN,I WAS 11YRS OLD VISITATION BOY SCOUTS TRP 345 THRU THE YRS BIG N D FAN,A REAL VIS KID CHESTERS RIGHT HAND MAN,WILL BE MISSED GLEN CUNN.

August 23, 2014

To Alice and family, Deepest sympathy on the death of your beloved John. We have fond memories of visiting your home in Chicago and of your visit to ours with your grandchildren here in Ardrahan.May he rest in peace.Tom and Aine O Doherty, Ardrahan, Co.Galway, Ireland.

Heather Orlowicz Neveu

August 22, 2014

Mrs. Collins & The Collins Family-
My deepest condolences on the passing of Mr. Collins. He will be missed by everyone who knew him.

Keeping your family in my prayers,

McCarthy Family

August 22, 2014

Alice & the Collins Family,
It was a pleasure to have known John. My family moved into the house that Dan and Nancy lived in and moved on from and I'll never forget John telling me if anything was wrong with anything he'd be there in an instant to help. Such a loving, caring man and a kind spirit he was. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Paul & Betti Miraldi

August 22, 2014

To A great friend you could not ask for A better Bocce partner or buddy.

Brittany Rae Kirchner

August 22, 2014

The first time I met John he welcomed me with a handshake and a kiss on my cheek. Later that evening he shared a bowl of popcorn and a blanket with me. I knew instantly he was a sweet man. It was amazing to watch him light up when he'd see his children and grandchildren, he had a huge heart. He enjoyed life to the fullest because of all the great people he had in his. I'll miss him, it was a privilege to have met him. To Alice and the Collins family, you're in my thoughts and prayers.

Anthony & Irene Jamison

August 22, 2014

Lauren,
Our deepest sympathies and sincerest prayers are extended to you and your family. Your Grandfather must have been a dear sweet man and we know he will be missed. Though your heart is surely troubled have faith and always remember how blessed you have been to have loved and been loved by your Grandfather.
Take care,
Anthony & Irene

Brittany Rae Kirchner

August 22, 2014

The first time I met John he welcomed me by a handshake and a kiss on my cheek. Later that evening we shared a bowl of popcorn and a blanket. He was the sweetest man and I knew that instantly. It was amazing to see how much he lit up when he looked at his children and grandchildren. He really enjoyed life because of all the amazing people he had in his. I'm very glad I got to meet him. To Alice and the Collins family, you're in my thoughts and prayers.

Jo Clark

August 22, 2014

Only the dearest, fondest and loving memories do I have of such a grand man. May he (and "my half") rest so peacefully...at least until ND season when he'll join in once again to "shake down the thunder".
My loving thoughts and sincere prayers continue to be with you all, Jo/Aunt Jo

Chris, Helen, Kay & Jim Hennigan

August 22, 2014

The Hennigan Family send their deepest sympathies to Alice & The Collins Family on the loss of their beloved John. We'll keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Caitlin Downs

August 22, 2014

So sorry to have lost John, such a wonderful man and rock of the family. So lucky to have known him.

Mary & Jack Downs

August 22, 2014

We will always remember John's big, genuine smile and laughter. He was a great example of a joyful, positive minded gentleman; a great dad, husband and friend. He will be missed and remembered always by saddened and loving family and friends.

Dave and Judy Martis

August 22, 2014

To the John Collins Family,
Thoughts and Prayers to all of you at this most difficult time of your lives.
Dave and Judy Martis

August 22, 2014

Sorry for your loss. Rest in peace, John.

Joe Chopp and family

Cathy Cepican

August 22, 2014

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. It was a gift to have known John and his smile!

Helen & John Morrissey (Hennigan)

August 22, 2014

Dear Alice,
It seems like only yesterday that John was escorting you to dances at Vis and St. Sabina's. You were the perfect couple. Look back on those happy days and the fifty-four wonderful years that followed. You have a beautiful family waiting to help you through this.

Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers.

August 22, 2014

Our thoughts & prayers are with you all at this rough time. Know that you are a beautiful example to the families that were lucky enough to be around you both. Loyal, strong, dedicated and kind. The Kinney Family

Jim and Sis Goss

August 21, 2014

We are so fortunate you came into our lives 57 years ago.We celebrated all of the children's
weddings together and Christmas parties every year. You will be missed by everyone that crossed your path.Love Jim & Sis Goss

Harry and Ginny

August 21, 2014

John you will be missed.

August 21, 2014

Uncle john,
Thanks for being a big part of my life. You were always a wonderful uncle to me!
Mary kay

Ken Kufner

August 21, 2014

To All Family Members,

So very sorry for the loss of John. May he always rest in peace in the loving arms of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Respectfully yours,


Ken Kufner
St. Laurence High School

Dan Collins

August 21, 2014

Dad,
Miss you already.
Love,
Dan

Christie Bernier

August 21, 2014

May the memory of his life be a blessing.

Dan Dewan

August 21, 2014

Alice,
So sorry to hear about your husband our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Fr. Bill, Dan, Tim and Mary Kay Dewan

Kathy Whirity

August 21, 2014

Dear Alice,
My prayers are with you and your family as you say good bye to your beloved John. You and John were the perfect example of what it is to be a devoted couple, dedicated parents and grand parents as well as loyal friends.


For my friend~ I love you, Alice. :)
Twinkling through the stars so bright,
John's love shines through the night.

Looking down from his Heavenly home,
his life's memories a reminder that you are never alone.

John has now found comfort in his celestial place,
surrounded by the peace of God's eternal grace.

Edward Domina

August 21, 2014

Eternal rest grant unto John, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace.

Jerry Greenfield

August 21, 2014

Alway's a gentleman and a dedicated member of Pipe fitters Local Union 597 Condolences to his family. May he RIP

Showing 1 - 31 of 31 results

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