Owen Daniel Collins, 67, of Elkader, passed away Thursday, July 21, 2022 at Mercy One in Elkader.
Dan was born on December 27, 1954, in Dubuque. He was the youngest child of Joseph and Madonna (Uriell) Collins and grew up on a farm south of Elkader. He was a lifelong member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church where he also received sacraments of baptism, confirmation, matrimony and more. His faith in God prepared him well for eternal life.
Dan was in the last 8th grade class to graduate from St. Joseph’s elementary school. He graduated from Central Community High School in 1973. Dan married Diane Kuehl, on June 5, 1976. Together, they raised two sons and a daughter.
Dan thoroughly enjoyed working alongside his dad on the farm. One of his nicknames was “Little Joe.” When his parents moved to town in 1980, Dan and his family fully embraced the farm life again and moved back to their farm, which was named “Green Valley.” In 1997 they sold the farm and moved back to town.
Dan was always willing to lend a helping hand. He was never one to shy away from hard work or a project. He enjoyed socializing and joking with lifelong friends and family. His quick-witted manner was often followed with a good-humored grin or chuckle. His morning routine typically started with having coffee at CJ’S gas station with friends at 5am. Dan enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, at his shed, taking day trips on his Harley Davidson motorcycle, driving his side-by-side, traveling with friends and family, and playing cards.
Dan started working at the Elkader Wire Plant in high school. In 1974, he was hired as a maintenance worker at the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT). Dan would often work around the clock in harsh and treacherous winter conditions to keep the highways clear from ice and blowing and drifting snow. After his retirement as Highway Maintenance Supervisor/Foreman in May 2017, Dan then got behind the wheel of the school bus driving for Central Community School.
Even though our hearts are broken, we are so grateful for the beautiful and cherished memories of Dan that are forever seared in our memories. Dan will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by his wife, Diane, of 46 years; two sons, Brian (Jodi) Collins of Ankeny; Darrin (Colleen) Collins of Blair, NE; daughter, Stephanie (Ryan) Burke of Elkader; his six grandchildren, Ian, Annaliese, Owen, Emery, Oriana and Liam; his three siblings, Bruce (Ellen) Collins of Elkader; Alice (Bob) White of Elkader; Dave (Connie) Collins of Fayette; his mother-in-law, Maxine Kuehl of Elkader and brothers and sisters-in law; his 11 nieces and nephews, and countless other family and friends.
He was welcomed into Heaven and reunited with his parents Joe and Madonna, father-in-law, Howard Kuehl; brother-in-law, Brad Kuehl and great-nephew Joshua Collins, who preceded him in death.
Mass of Christian Burial: 10:00 AM on Monday, July 25, 2022 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Elkader with Rev. John Haugen as Celebrant
Inurnment: St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Elkader
Visitation: 4 – 7 on Sunday, July 24, 2022 at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Crematory in Elkader and one hour before mass time at the church on Monday.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Elkader is assisting the family.