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FUNERAL HOME

Kapala-Glodek Funeral Home

230 13th Ave North East

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Michael Collins Obituary

Christian Brother, beloved President of his alma mater, DeLaSalle High School, and esteemed national leader in Catholic secondary education, died on January 8 at age 74. Only child of Jacob Collins and Georgina Green, with whom he has reunited in Eternal Life. Survived by his fellow Christian Brothers, family, five godchildren, and hundreds of friends and admirers from his educational ministry of 53 years. Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am on Saturday January 14, 2012 at the Basilica of Saint Mary, on Hennepin Avenue between 16th and 17th Street, Minneapolis. Visitation on Friday (TODAY) at DeLaSalle High School, One DeLaSalle Drive, Minneapolis, from 8:30 am - 2:00 pm and from 4:30-8:30 pm with prayer service at 7:30 PM. Additional visitation one hour prior to Mass at the Basilica. Private interment. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to DeLaSalle High School. KAPALA GLODEK 612-378-1331 www.kapalaglodekfuneralhome.com

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Published by Pioneer Press from Jan. 11 to Jan. 13, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Collins

23 Entries

Br. Michael's recording of Free From Evil

Dennis Fernkes

January 15, 2012

Brother Michael was my English teacher in 1960 at De La Salle when he went by the name of Br. Fidelis. He was also my Glee Club director. I developed a real appreciation for music as a result. I transferred out of De La Salle in my senior year when my family moved, but I would have graduated with the Class of '63. My condolences to his family.

Mark & Sharon Beecham

January 15, 2012

With gratitude for the many gifts that will serve as the legacy that you, Brother Michael, have left to carry on - we thank you. Whether we be friends, parents, or the thousands of students (including our graduate of the class of 2006), we will miss you. All of us are better for having known you.

MARK SCHINDELDECKER

January 14, 2012

BROTHER MICHAEL, WE ARE ALL FEELING A GREAT LOSS !
REST IN PEACE ,
MARK SCHINDELDECKER CLASS ' 63

Barbara Wilensky

January 14, 2012

It was an honor to have met Brother Michael very briefly. What an inspirational character, his humor,
good natured, compassionate, and caring!
Deepest sympathy goes out to you at this time.

Paul Engeldinger '67

January 14, 2012

My sincere condolences to the family of teachers, students, alumni and friends of DeLaSalle High School. I remember the song "Free From Evil" that Brother 'Fidelis' Michael sang and was broadcast on local radio while I was attending De. If that were possible to be reprised it would be a wonderful tribute over-the-airwaves. May the angels lead him to paradise.

Wendelyn Tolzman

January 13, 2012

The christmas concert will not be the same without you Brother Collins for no one can sing The Chestnuts roosting song as you did or be a more loving Santa. You will be deeply missed by my kids Jennifer (Tolzman) Lorsung, Kristofer & Matthew Mitchell, and me. Thanks for the understanding and love that you gave to my kids and all of the others that is/was given the chance to know you. God Bless you for you will be deeply missed

Bill and Kathy Kozlak

January 13, 2012

Thank the Lord for sharing this talented and caring person with us...Not only DLS, but he certainly left the world a better place than he found it. Our thoughts and prayers are with all in his family and family of friends as his life is celebrated. He most certainly will be missed, but not forgotten

David Bird

January 13, 2012

Brother, I have admired you since we met, and have been proud to call you a friend for more than 20 years. Thank You for all you have done. You will be missed.

James Regnier

January 13, 2012

BRO,Thank you for your hard work and selfless hours that have made DE LaSALLE and CRETIN great schools THANKS BRO I LOVE YOU!!! miss you .ST JOHN the BAPTIST DE LASALLE pray for us,live JESUS in our hearts,FOREVER!!!

Tony Johnson

January 13, 2012

Brother Michael, an inspiration, a natural teacher, a leader, a true talent, a man of faith, ...and always my good friend. Those who new him are now with a great loss. One of my favorite memories from CDH is him singing to the student body @ Christmas mass. I love you.

January 13, 2012

Dear Brother Michael,

I have tried to gather my thoughts of all the wonderful, fabulous, warm and blessed times that I've had or that Nia and Vanessa have, over the last 10 plus years of having you in our lives.

It is not often that people cross your path that give something to your soul, mind and heart and your senses know that it is sincere. I appreciate your discipline, your strength and giving of the gifts that God bestowed upon you.

In my selfishness I was hoping that you would be present to see the class of 2012 receive their diplomas. I wanted my baby (my Vanessa) to stand next to you and take a picture in her cap and gown so that I could add it to her box of memories. However, The Lord was ready for you now, and in time my mind will realize that your spirit is still flowing through many people and works. It helps to know that that you are resting peacefully.

Yes, you will be missed (I think I'll miss your hugs the most), and life will continue…know that you have made a contribution to the world as a whole. That contribution is evident in the collaborations, relationships built and through many of the children that have walked, ran and sometimes tripped through the halls. You and so many at De have contributed to the foundation of my children's growth and given me peace of mind as a parent.

My family has been blessed to have had you cross our paths and walk for a bit along the journey of our lives. Thank you dear sir and peace to your soul.

With Love and Respect,

Marquitta Frost

The Hazelton Family

January 12, 2012

I know Brother Michael will be looking down on us, smiling and saying with his wonderful voice, and calm that he will always be their, with God holding us in his heart. Telling us God is there to cast sunlight and hope. When what we are feeling is simply too deep for words and nothing anyone does or says can provide us with the relief we need, God understands. You will always be missed Brother Michael, but I know your in a better place your final reward, for all your years of devoted service to God and so many here on earth. Thank you for being such a special part of our lives.

Michael Murphy

January 12, 2012

To the Christian Brothers Community,

I am sorry for the loss of this most diligent member of your faith community. When we at the U. of St. Thomas were "newbies" in Minneapolis in the late 1980's, Brother Michael was there as a kind and gracious neighbor.

Steven and Arlene White

January 12, 2012

Our Condolences to the Community of Christian Brothers and De La Salle High School. You will be remembered for your commitment to De La Salle as well as the students. God Bless You! You will be missed.

Marlana Parrett

January 12, 2012

I did not know Brother Collins personally, but he lived a life of helping others. Brother Michael was a faithful servant,encouraged and helped many people. Servant well done.
God bless Sister Marlana

Fr. Tom Hill. ofm Cap

January 12, 2012

Condolence to the Brother's commnity at De La Salle. Michael and all of you men have touched so many lives of young people.

May his spirit continue and friedship continue to support all of the Brothers and Staff in the mission of education and touching young peoples lives.

Charlie Clark

January 11, 2012

Although I transferred out of De this year. I will always have fond memories of Brother Michael, he was one of the nicest people I've ever met and he taught me so much about how to live a life not only for oneself. His Christmas rendition of chestnuts roasting on an open fire will stick with me forever. He will be greatly missed.

January 11, 2012

Brother Michael was a true servant of God. Our family will always remember him and how he welcomed us to DeLaSalle. May he rest in peace!
The Hargett-Tillman Family

January 11, 2012

A loss for all who knew him-- I remember sharing the halls at "D" with him in 1955-- a caring classmate and friend-- Dan McGuire

Betty Coleman

January 11, 2012

Michael was an important part of my life many years ago. He has always remained in my heart and he will be there forever. He will be remembered with all my love and respect. Betty Coleman

Chuck and Paula Evans and family

January 11, 2012

Brother Michael was a joy and inspiration to our entire family
We each have our fond memories of time spent with him
Rest in peace Michael

Eugene Vogel

January 11, 2012

While I was out of Cretin Long before Brother was there, unless my memory fails me, he had a wonderful singing voice. I was in the Class of "43. Brother soloed at Holy Spirit Catholic Church at a Mass of Christian Burial when the deceased was a parent of a current student. I was in the Resurection Choir at that time and heard the beautiful voice doing a solo. My Prayers and thoughts are with him. May his soul rest in peace.

NICOLE GUISE

January 11, 2012

GREAT MAN OF GOD BROTHER MICHAEL COLLINS....THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING!!! YOU WILL TRULY BE MISSED BY LOTS OF PEOPLE!!! MAY YOU REST IN PEACE! MAY GOD LOOK UPON US WITH FAVOR AND GRANT US PEACE!!

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