George Collins, 87

George Thomas Collins, a resident of Scotts, MI, passed away peacefully on July 16, 2024, at the age of 87. Born in 1937 to Justyne (Cesarec) Collins in Chicago, he spent much of his youth exploring the Hyde Park area and eventually graduating from Bowen High School in 1955. In the late 1950s, he got his “big break” as an apprentice, operating construction equipment that specialized in cranes. When drafted into the United States Army in 1960, he was able to use this knowledge while proudly serving the country that he loved. When his tenure in the Army had ended, he became a skilled operating engineer and heavy equipment operator with the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150 in Chicago. Throughout his career, George worked on many iconic Chicago landmarks including the Sears/Willis Tower, Amoco Building/Aon Center, and The Deep Tunnel Project, to name a few. His dedication and expertise in his craft earned him respect among his peers and left a long-lasting impact on the city.

In the summer of 1964 on a trip to a Saugatuck, beach, he would meet the Love of His Life, Barbara Noga, who he married on February 20, 1965, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Battle Creek. For the next 39 years they would reside in Chicago and the South Suburbs where they raised 3 children and watched their family grow with 3 spouses and 9 grandchildren. Over the last 20 years, “a dream come true,” George & Barbara were able to retire on Indian Lake in Scotts, MI where they loved spending time with family.

George is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Barbara; three children, George (Laura) Collins II of Schoolcraft, Jeffery (Jody) Collins of Willowbrook, IL, and Christine (Scott) Torphy of Naperville, IL; nine grandchildren, George Collins III, Evan Collins, Cavett (Madelynn) Collins, Price Collins, Erin Collins, David Collins, Natalie Collins, Christopher Torphy, and Nola Torphy. George was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather, Justyne and Eugene Pulley.

Visiting hours for George will be held on Thursday, August 8, 2024 from 4 until 7pm at the Eickhoff Funeral Home (311 W Main Street, Mendon, MI 49072). A memorial service will take place on Friday, August 9, 2024 at 11am at the funeral home. Immediately following services, interment and military honors will be given to George at Ft. Custer National Cemetery at 2:30. In lieu of flowers or plants, donations in George’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Wounded Warrior Project. Condolences and memories may be expressed to the family at eickhofffuneralhome.com