George E. Collins, Jr.

George E. Collins, Jr., 89, of East Moline, IL, passed away Friday, August 4, 2023 at UnityPoint-Trinity, Rock Island, surrounded by family.

A Mass of Christian burial will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, August 12, at St. Anne Catholic Church, East Moline. Entombment will be at St. Mary’s Mausoleum, East Moline. A rosary will be recited 3:00 p.m. Friday, August 11, at Van Hoe Funeral Home, East Moline, with visitation following from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Memorials may be made to the East Moline Fire Department for equipment purchase or Quad City Animal Welfare Center, Milan.

George was born December 21, 1933, in Rock Island, Illinois, a son of George and Dorothy Ludwig Collins. He married Margaret R. Verslype on February 14, 1953 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, East Moline.

George was a firefighter for the East Moline Fire Department for 20 years, retiring in 1985. He also was a landlord to many for over 40 years.

He was a member of St. Anne’s Catholic Church and I.A.F.F., Local 929. He and Margaret enjoyed traveling, visiting 6 of the 7 continents, wintering in Florida for 29 years, making memories while camping with family and friends from Holiday Ramblers Club.

George will be fondly remembered for his bigger than life persona and laugh. He never knew a stranger and will be greatly missed.

Surviving are his wife, Margaret, of East Moline; children, G. Michael (Wendy) Collins, of Iowa,  Randy (Debbie) Collins, of Arizona, and Debi (Pat) Laleman, East Moline; grandchildren, Chad Collins, Todd Collins, Amanda Collins, Kyle Collins, Andy (Rachel) Collins, Valerie (Steven) Pennock and bonus granddaughters, Tara, T.J. and Maggie; great grandchildren, Sage, Orie, Hadley, Amos, Axel and Ambrose; and many nieces and nephews; sister-in-law, Janeen Collins; and his beloved dog, “Klaus”.

George was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Donald and Ronnie Collins; and sister, Edna Vance.

Online condolences at vanhoe.com

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