Eugene J. "Gene" Collins

Eugene "Gene" J. Collins, 93, New Franken, formerly of Idlewild, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 24, 2026. Gene was born on January 17, 1933 in Red River, son of the now late John and Libbie (Boulanger) Collin. He was a graduate of Luxemburg High School with the class of 1950. Gene then pursued his education at MSOE obtaining his Engineering Degree. On June 10, 1952 he married the former Madella Baudhuin at St Mary of the Snows in Namur and together they had 4 children.

Gene was an electrician and retired from Bechtel Corporation in 1994. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially the times spent fishing. He liked watching high school wrestling and watching the Packers. Gene and Madella loved to travel, but their favorite trips were the ones to vist their children. He cherished his family and enjoyed spending time with them especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Gene was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, a friend to many and will always be lovingly remembered and sorrowfully missed.

Gene is survived by his loving wife, Madella. His children, Denise Englebert, Wendy Gaston, Tammy (Daryl) Barnhouse, Tom Collins (special friend Pam). Grandchildren, Travis Englebert, Erin (Olin) Rankin and Kara (Kenn) Withers. Great-grandchildren, Lexi, Trevor, Lemmy and Rex. Sister, Mae Vandermeuse, brother and sister-in-law, Joe (Rosella) Collin, brothers-in-law, Roland Ducat and Delbert Watzka. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by, daughter-in-law, Pamela Collins, son-in-law, James Gaston, sister, Harriet Ducat, brother and sister-in-law Dan (Jan) Collin and sister-in-law, Regina Watzka.

Gathering of family and friends will be held from 9:00 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. on Friday, January 30, 2026 at St Kilian Catholic Church, 2508 St. Kilian Road, New Franken. A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 A. M. with Rev. Patrick Beno officiating.