Joseph Thomas Collins

Joseph T. Collins, beloved father, grandfather, and great grandfather, passed away on the eve of October 29th at the age of 91, surrounded by his family. Joseph is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen; sons: Jim (Mary Kay), Bill (Patty); daughters: Mary Ludford (Bill), Patty Steinert (Dirk); 12 grandchildren: Daniel (Melissa), Michael, John (Kristina), Jeff (Priyal), Pete, Elizabeth, Joseph (Michele), Becca (Alex), Nicole, Maria (Rob), Lauren, and Conlin; 8 great-grandchildren: Lennon, Ira, Henry, Jack, Shay, John, Nathan, Aida; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Mary; his siblings and their spouses, Robert (Ellen), James (Dorothy); and great grandchild, Maeve.

Joe met Kathy through a neighborhood friend and this past year they celebrated 66 years of marriage. Together they made a loving family that he cherished. Joe loved Christmas and he was known to make a grand entrance as Santa Claus, delivering presents to the younger generations. Throughout his life, he was involved in his community, serving as an election judge and spending time volunteering at his children’s schools, St Patrick’s in LaSalle, IL, and St Bede Academy in Peru, IL. He was an avid sports fan, mostly enjoying his Wisconsin teams - Braves, Brewers, Green Bay Packers, Bucks, Golden Eagles, and Badgers. And he was known for his “spot on” dart skills, resulting in many carnival prizes for his children. He spent his later years building doll houses and model ships for family members to treasure.

Joe was a graduate of Pius XI High School, Milwaukee, class of 1949. He went on to study at Marquette University and graduated with the class of 1952, earning a B.S. in Finance. Joe started his career as an accountant working at Allis Chalmers in West Allis, WI; Bolen’s in Port Washington, WI; and Astronautics in Milwaukee, WI. He relocated to LaSalle, Illinois, as the Comptroller of Westclox. He was promoted through the parent company, Talley Industries, ending his career as the Vice President of Finance. Joe retired at the age of 65 and focused on his true passion, golf, even working as a ranger at Seneca Oakridge Golf Course in LaSalle. He enjoyed a lifelong love of the game and played his last round at the age of 89.

Services will be held on November 16th as follows:

Saint Vincent Pallotti Catholic Church, 201 N 76th Street, Milwaukee, WI

Visitation - 10:00

Mass - 11:00

Burial will immediately follow the Mass at Holy Cross Cemetery, 7301 W Nash Street, Milwaukee, WI

The family would like to extend special thanks to Caitlyn and Steve from Compassus Hospice, as well as the staff at Virginia Highlands Care and Rehab Center.

In lieu of flowers, contributions should be made to St. Vincent Pallotti Parish, Milwaukee, WI, Marquette University College of Business Administration Finance Program, Milwaukee, WI, Pius XI Catholic High School, Milwaukee, WI, and St. Bede Academy, Peru, IL, or the charity of your choice.

He is deeply loved and fondly missed.