Collins, Helen C.

Helen C. Collins, 83, of Sturgeon Bay, died peacefully in the evening of Monday, March 16, 2015, surrounded by family at Mercy Hospital in Sacramento, CA.

She was born February 19, 1932, to Milton and Marie (Lieble) Petersilka. Helen attended S.S. Peter and Paul Catholic Grade School in Institute, WI, and graduated from Sevastapol High School. After high school, she attended Wisconsin School of Cosmetology in Green Bay where she became a licensed cosmetologist and worked for her aunt, Eurina Starr, as a hair stylist. In 1953, Helen married John Collins and had three children: Susan, Richard, and James. Throughout her life, she was active in Catholic Daughters and loved to be outdoors fishing, snowmobiling, flying with her husband, and meticulously caring for her gardens. Also among her favorite pastimes were playing cards, completing puzzles, and e-mailing family and friends on her iPad. Along with her husband, Helen helped start C&S Manufacturing Corporation in Sturgeon Bay.

She is survived by her family including three children, Susan (Mark) Boyles, Sacramento, CA, Richard (Laurie) Collins, James (Cathy) Collins, both of Sturgeon Bay, WI; five grandchildren, Luke Collins, Contessa (Tad) Rogers, Blake Boyles, Ana Collins, Samantha Collins; one great-granddaughter, Morgan Rogers; brother Donald (Janice) Petersilka; sister-in-law, Sharon Petersilka; cousin, Don (Sue) Bernhardt; and their families; along with many nieces; and nephews.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; husband, John; sister, Lois (Bob) Hunt; and brother, Ronald Petersilka.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated next week at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 811 W. Juniper St., Sturgeon Bay, with Fr. Carl Schmitt as celebrant. Helen will be laid to rest beside her husband, John, in St. Joseph Cemetery.

Visitation for family and friends will be held the evening prior at the Huehns Family Life Tribute Center, 1414 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.

Service dates and times are pending at this time will be announced in the near future.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Helen's memory to the Crossroads at Big Creek, St. John Bosco Catholic School, or Northern Sky Theater.

Huehns Family Life Tributes is assisting the Collins family with arrangements. Condolences and guestbook signing may be offered at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com.

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

Published by Door County Advocate from Mar. 18 to Mar. 21, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Helen Collins

16 Entries

Brobey

May 2, 2025

Good job Helen!

Paul Gehlen

April 27, 2025

An amazing pilot when she had to be.

Lucy

February 27, 2025

I am so, so inspired by Helen's plane landing story, so much so that tears come to my eyes. She will be an inspiration to me for the rest of my life. I thank you, Helen, thank you.

February 18, 2025

I just heard your story about landing that plane. Wow, just wow! I wish I could have met you!

Urijah

September 10, 2024

I've heard about the story of helen landing the plane, what a woman! Rest in peace helen, you lived a awsome life!

Garry Manners

August 25, 2024

I had never heard of this lady until today watching a film about her landing the aircraft when her husband took ill. Seemed an incredible person. Regards from London UK

Hona

January 7, 2024

Helen legit is the G.O.A.T. Sis really landed the plane super calm! RIP to a real

Cindy Hecht

May 17, 2022

Sorry to hear of Helen's passing.
I never met her, but she is my hero she was able to land an airplane with the help of others at airport when her husband John passed 2012. This accomplishment was a miracle & I know her family is proud of her! Blessings to the Collins family in Jesus name. Blessings to Helen's memory OUT STANDING JOB HELEN, now your at home with JESUS!

John Wallen

March 6, 2021

I saw a video about helens flight landing the plane. To say that she was a strong, steady minded, focused person, I am sure just scratches the surface of her person. I am a pilot, and listening to her concerns in calm voice as she was talked down touched me deeply. She was a special person. I did not get to meet her as I would have liked after listening to the audio that leftvsuch an impression on me. For that I'm sad. What I heard gives me inspiration. If anyone is still monitoring these comments, I am sure you would like to know that. She had the ability to inspire just by listening to her talk.

Rita Petersilka Riley

March 23, 2015

RIP Auntie.

Holly Feldman

March 23, 2015

We were all so sorry to hear of Helen's passing. Like many, we thought of her as a local hero and felt so lucky that she chose to spend a few evenings each year enjoying performances under the stars at Peninsula State Park. Our condolences to Helen's family. It was truly an honor to see Northern Sky mentioned in Helen's memorials. We were so grateful for her steadfast support over the years. There will always be a place for Helen and John, and all those who have gone before them, under the Northern Sky.

March 22, 2015

Love, love, love to you all.So happy to have spent time with Helen. Great smile through and through. Connie

Nancy Lyons

March 21, 2015

Bernie and I were so sad to hear of Helen's passing. She was a very special, strong woman. Kind, thoughtful, caring. We find peace in knowing she is now with the love of her life, Uncle John! Thinking of you all during this sad time.

Kathy Brault

March 20, 2015

I am so sorry to hear of Helen's passing. She is now with Jack and pain free. I'm sure Mom & Dad will be meeting up with them soon. They had such good times. Love and sympathy to all the family.

Judy Delwiche

March 20, 2015

I am so sorry to learn of Helens death. She was such a nice person. Years ago I worked with her at Sawyer Beauty shop. My Sympathy to the family, Judy Delwiche

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