Collin Filmore Buxxell

Collin Filmore Buzzell, 64, of Chanhassen, Minnesota, passed away on January 30, 2026. Born on November 7, 1961, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Collin lived a life marked by resilience, faith, and a steadfast commitment to excellence in all he pursued.

From an early age, Collin developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors. He spent many days running through the family orchard and later, hunting and fishing with his older brothers, friends, and sons-experiences that nurtured his love for nature and also deepened his connection to family. As a youth, he was a gifted athlete with a natural talent for sports.

Collin, the youngest of Charles F Sr. and Delores Buzzell's 12 children, grew up in Blane, Minnesota. From an early age, he developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors. He spent many days running through the family orchard and later, hunting and fishing with his older brothers, friends, and sons-experiences that nurtured his love for nature and also deepened his connection to family. As a youth, Collin was a gifted athlete with a natural talent for sports.

Collin followed many of his older brothers and played sports year round. As an all-around athlete, Collin enjoyed playing basketball and football, coached by his uncle Billy Gibbs. Once introduced to hockey, it quickly became his favorite sport. He attended hockey camps and played whenever he could. In his young-teen years, Collin and his brother Crandal joined a karate studio, and this became another sport in which Collin excelled.

Collin and Mary Buzzell (Day) were married in 1979 and share 3 sons, Chance, Chase, and Cade. All three boys played soccer, and Collin took up, yet another sport, and coached for several years. As a coach, he was able to see where each player shined in their skill set and worked to leverage positioning on the field to help each person be successful and create team victories.

Collin began his professional life as a framing carpenter, working with several of his older brothers who were also involved in the construction trades or owned small businesses. Collin often spoke of the harshness of working outside year-round, noting the extreme weather conditions and the pace that was required. More than once, Collin had to work with a skeleton crew to complete multiple houses in a mere three days. Demonstrating a tireless work ethic, exceptional skill, and an ability to get things done, Collin carried his ability to conceptualize things into other areas of his life, and into the woodworking he did for pleasure. With a keen understanding of wood species, he frequently commented on grain patterns, and hardness qualities, even in the smallest encounter with a wooden item.

At 24, Collin received a chronic health diagnosis that altered the trajectory of his life. Unable to continue the physically demanding work of carpentry, he took an aptitude test that led him to pursue higher education. In 1994, he graduated Summa Cum Laude from St. Cloud State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business. He was the first in his family to complete a four-year college degree-a significant achievement, made even more remarkable by the fact that he passed the Certified Public Accountant exam on his first attempt, a feat accomplished by only one in six candidates.

Collin went on to build a distinguished career in public accounting. Recruited directly out of college, he spent 19 years in the field, most notably with RSM McGladrey. There, he served as Director of Tax for the exempt organizations practice-a specialty area he created and grew into a multi-million-dollar revenue-generating division. His expertise in doctrines of tax law related to exempt organizations and healthcare entities earned him national recognition. He was frequently invited to speak at conferences across the country and was asked to develop and deliver training for CEOs and CFOs of state-chartered credit unions, following the IRS overhaul of Form 990 in 2009.

Collin and Kirsten were married in 2010; a short time later, in 2011, Collin's health progressed to a point where it was extremely difficult for him to remain working full-time. Their son Eleasar was born in 2012 and Collin had his first back surgery later that year. Despite his health, Collin continued to be a leader in his home and remained present in the things he did.

Living outside of a professional identity was another major shift in Collin's life. He adapted by learning new skills and taking on household tasks, adjusting to supporting his family in different ways. Collin encouraged and fully endorsed Kirsten's return to school for graduate work. While Kirsten studied, Collin never allowed his health to prevent him from introducing Eleasar to various sports. In his last couple years of life, Collin developed a love for cooking and frequently identified new recipes he wanted to make. Baking was also something that he allowed to stir nostalgia, recalling spending many hours in the kitchen with his mom when he was the last child at home before starting kindergarten. Collin loved baking a simple cake and liked yellow with chocolate frosting best.

Collin's life was deeply rooted in faith. At the age of 13, he found faith in Jesus Christ-a transformative time that profoundly influenced how he lived and treated others. His relationship with Christ became central to his identity. He shared his faith openly, often speaking about salvation, forgiveness, and love with anyone willing to listen. At times, Collin felt distant from God; he questioned and strayed, yet he always made his way back to faith. Collin remained steadfast in his beliefs and recognized that people are inconsistent and imperfect while Jesus is constant and whole. In later years, he devoted notable time to heartfelt conversations about faith-sharing messages of hope with patience and sincerity.

Life contained many seasons for Collin, each one showcasing different facets of who he was or who he had grown to be. Whether it was facts about auto body work and painting he did in his teens, sharing music trivia, or having a heartfelt conversation that explored what he called the human condition, there were always constants: Collin was strong in many ways, he was creative and resourceful; he often thought he had the best way of doing things because he usually did, but he was always willing to share and teach what he knew. Collin grew into meekness and humility, likely an impact of decades of betrayal by his own body and seemingly constant obstacles presented by chronic conditions. Yet, somehow, Collin learned to count it all joy; he learned to live outside of his limitations and chose to give to others instead-to meet them where they were rather than expecting others to accommodate him.

Those who knew Collin remember him as kind and generous-a man whose strength was matched by gentleness. He had an innate ability to make others feel accepted without saying a word. Whether through quiet acts of service or thoughtful conversations about life's deeper meanings, Collin reflected the love of Christ in his ability to engage with others.

Collin is lovingly remembered by wife, Kirsten Buzzell and son Eleasar; first love Mary Buzzell and sons Cade (Sarah) Buzzell parents to River, Juniper, Aspen; Chance (Priscilla) Buzzell, parents to Hannah, Ysrael, Tristan, Toviyah; Chase (Kyla) Buzzell, parents to Nyella, Rowan, True, Amoret, Tennyson, Ezer, Scout. Brothers Charles F Buzzell Jr., Clayton F Buzzell Sr., Carvin (Debbie) Buzzell, Clark (Diane) Buzzell. Sisters Corlyn (Bill) Miller, Chardel (Steve) Gerlach, Coreen (Ken) Agre. Sisters-in-law: Priscilla Buzzell, Kathy Buzzell, numerous nephews and nieces, and other extended family members.

Collin is Preceded in death by his parents, Charles F. Sr. & Delores (Gibbs) Buzzell, brothers Carroll F. Buzzell Sr., Carter F Buzzell, Courtney F Buzzell, sister: Bernice (Buzzell) Cole, brother-in-law: Bud Cole, sisters-in-law: Adrianne Buzzell and Betty Buzzell, nephews: Carroll F (Rusty) Buzzell Jr., Glenn Buzzell, and Caleb Buzzell.

A funeral service will be held on February 5, 2026, at Huber Funeral Home, 16394 Glory Lane, Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55344. Visitation will take place from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM with the service beginning at 3:00 PM. A light reception will immediately follow the service.

May those who knew Collin find comfort in the legacy he leaves behind-a legacy of faithfulness, perseverance, craftsmanship, intellect, and love.