Patrick "Pat" Collins

Patrick James Collins, age 52, passed away July 11, 2010 at Brown County Community Treatment Center. The loving son of Sally (Robillard) and the late James (Smiley) Collins of De Pere was born on June 28, 1958. Pat was born with Downs Syndrome but thrived with the support of a loving family. Pat was an avid Packer, Cubs, Bucks, Badger and St. Norbert College Knights fan who brought love, laughter and lots of adventures to all who knew him. Pat was a participant in the Wisconsin Special Olympics program and won gold medals in swimming and basketball. He also took great joy in singing Christmas songs year round and couldn’t resist joining in anytime he heard the National Anthem being sung. Pat attended first grade at St. Francis grade school in DePere and at the age of seven started school at Donovan School and graduated in 1979. He then worked at The Community Service Center, now known as ASPIRO until failing health forced him to permanently retire. We are so thankful to the many people that have enriched Pat’s life over the years. His very special teachers at Donovan School, Mark at ASPIRO, Dr. Gerald Bayer at Green Bay Oncology, Father Charlie Hoffman, Dr Larry Meyer and “Beautiful Brenda” at Green Bay Eye Clinic, Dr. John Warren and most recently the dear, loving caretakers at Brown County Community Treatment Center and Heartland Hospice. According to Pat he is survived by his beautiful mother Sally, his six beautiful sisters Cindy Collins, DePere, Sue Collins(Jim Peterson), Madison, Kathy Ritter(Jeff), DePere, Peggy Brey(Jerry), DePere, Colleen Collins(Bob Steinbrecher), Green Bay, Jill Austinson(Jeff), DePere and his handsome brother Michael Collins, Chicago, nephews, Justin(Dawn), Matt(Amy), Brad and Brian, nieces, Stacy, Jessica (Russ), Lauren, Anna, Kate and Sarah. Also surviving are great nieces, nephews, aunts, cousins and his Godmother Shirley Theune, Wabeno. Pat was preceded in death by his father Jim, brother-in-law Mark Blohowiak, his Godfather James Walesh, his paternal and maternal grandparents. Family and friends may call at Cotter Funeral Home, 860 N. Webster Ave, De Pere, from 4-6:30pm on Thurs, July 15. Funeral Service will be held at 6:30pm Thurs, at the funeral home, with the Rev. Charlie Hoffman officiating. Online condolences may be expressed to Pat’s family at www.cotterfuneralhome.com The Collins family wishes to thank everyone, including our dear friends and loving neighbors who helped to make Pat’s life a happy one and thank you to Pat, for teaching all of us the true meaning of unconditional love. A memorial fund has been established.