Obituary of Virgel L. Collins

Virgel L. Collins, 83, of Cambridge passed away on Sunday, May 31, 2015 at Prairie Senior Cottages in Isanti. Well done my good and faithful servant... Pop has been on a “going home” journey for the past few months; no… years. When Mom passed in November of 2012, my brother Peter and I (Kim) thought Pop was soon to follow. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s about 15 years ago, he wasn’t about to give up hope that he could maintain his strength. He actually took on the role of care provider when Mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s about six years ago. Toward the end of her life he became tired and weary, but held on for another 2 1/2 years. Just before his passing, my daughter and I were in Ohio to celebrate the marriage of Pete’s daughter Rachel. When I left I told Pop about his granddaughter’s upcoming special day; that Nola and I were excited to represent him knowing he wasn’t well enough to go himself. Within an hour of returning to Minneapolis, I received a call that Pop’s breathing was shallow, and his heart rate fast. My children came to say their good-byes. The four of us sang two of Pop’s favorite hymns, harmonizing to please only him. I was sure his heart sang along with us too. Within a few moments after my kids left, I knelt down by his bed and put my hand on his chest, reminiscing about finally being free from this broken down body. He looked into my eyes and breathed one last breath. His eyes then turned to follow someone I couldn’t see, clearly beckoning him home. He exhaled his last. It was a beautiful “leaving.” What a treasure to be present within it. Pete, I, and our families wanted you to know a little bit of his story. It hasn’t been an easy one for us. While we truly miss him, we see Pop’s leaving as a celebration and rejoice with him as he is finally with his precious Savior! Virgel can certainly look back on a life well lived. Born on the farm November 1931 in Osakis, MN to Leslie and Lena Collins, Virgel was the youngest boy of 3 sons and 4 daughters (Merlyn, Gene, Virgel, Madelyn, Vonnie, Annabelle, and Donna Mae). Life wasn’t easy through the depression years, but Virgel and his family persevered. The importance of faith and family was a continual theme in Virgel’s life, which he was always ready to share. This included to his eldest brother Merlyn, who he led to the Lord just two weeks before Merlyn passed away. After high school in 1950, Virgel joined the Air Force to serve as an aircraft mechanic at Rhein-Mein AFB, Germany. Though he had many adventures overseas including taxiing a C-47 to safety during a storm, the most important event was his introduction to Jesus through the Navigators. Virgel grew in faith touching many lives, notably being interviewed by Billy Graham and asked by George Beverly Shea to sing in the crusade choir. Upon return to the states, Virgel took advantage of the GI bill to pursue a degree in education. He also pursued a lovely young lady he met through the Navigators, marrying Elaine in 1958. Virgel and Elaine celebrated 54 years together, living most of their married lives in Cambridge, MN. Both Virgel and Elaine were teachers in the public school, serving for over 30 years. Virgel taught industrial arts and while he was rightly proud of the many projects he built, including the Mechanics Illustrated Golden Hammer award winning tractor, his greatest pride was in the countless students he mentored as a teacher. In fact, that most aptly summarizes Virgel’s life; he discipled men and shared the gospel with everyone he met. Virgel will be missed, but celebrated by his children and eight grandchildren for the quiet servant he truly was. He was preceded in death by his wife Elaine and is survived by his son Peter (Cheryl) Collins of Dayton, OH, daughter Kim (Todd) Nelson of Cambridge, 8 grandchildren, 1 brother, 4 sisters.