Carlton John (Bud) Collins

Tuesday, June 30, 2020 5:07 pm

Carlton John (Bud) Collins joyfully went home to be with his Lord and Savior June 18, 2020. We can only imagine what he sees and knows now … as he would say … I’ve waited a long time for this … he was 94 years old. A graveside service is Saturday, Aug. 29, 2020 in the Postville Cemetery, Postville. Rev. Peter Kowitz will be officiating.

He was born Jan. 14, 1926, to Minnie Augusta Krambeer and Robert Lyman Collins in Luana. His mother nicknamed him her little “buddy” and so the name “Bud” stuck with him all through his life.

He grew up in Luana and graduated from high school in 1943. He then worked on his uncle Ben Krambeer’s farm. In April of 1945 he was inducted into the Army. He was on his way to Japan when the war ended but stayed in Japan working in the 61st Ordnance Ammunition Company. He was honorably discharged Nov. 22, 1946.

In 1948 he was married to Joyce Dettman of Monona. A daughter, Sherrie, was born in 1949. They moved from Luana to Postville, where he began working for the REC in November 1949. He started out as a lineman and eventually became the director of operations and engineering. He took great pride in working for the REC and it was a career he enjoyed. After 40 years he retired.

After losing his first wife because of illness May 28, 1991, he met and married Shirley Meyer from Postville. She just lived up the street from his house. They met on a blind date and it was no surprise that they said “I do” Oct. 2 of 1993 at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Postville. Shirley and Bud moved to Decorah in March of 2006. They enjoyed 25 years of happiness together. Shirley passed away Dec. 30, 2018.

Bud was a very kind man … and will be remembered for his beautiful smile, gentle eyes, caring heart and he loved a good laugh.

He had a long-standing relationship with his Lord and Savior and was very blessed with his faith to his dying days. He will not be forgotten and we find comfort that he is in heaven where God has prepared a place for him.

The family would like to thank all the health care professionals from Aase Haugen Nursing Home for their great care all three years he was there and especially in the last couple of months of his life and are sincerely grateful to the wonderful Hospice nurses from the Winneshiek Medical Center, who were of great comfort to us and Bud in his last days.

He is survived by his daughter, Sherrie Wallerstedt (Steve); step-daughters, Lisa Brainard (Neal), Gretchen Meyer (Steve Shuman); step daughter-in-law, Colleen Schroeder Meyer; five step-grandchildren: Travis Brainard (Tondalaya), Troy Brainard (fiancé Amy Lobdell), Stephanie Brainard, Carlee Meyer,and Lindsey Hackman (Jon); and three step great-grandchildren: Caitlyn Minton, Erik Brainard and Adam Brainard.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Robert (Slab) Collins and Eugene (Rip) Collins; his sister, Mae Hinman; his first wife, Joyce Collins; his second wife, Shirley Collins; granddaughter, Christina Wallerstedt; and stepson, Alan Meyer.

Memorials can be given to Aase Haugen Senior Services, 4 Ohio Street, Decorah, IA 52101 or Decorah Lutheran Church, 309 Winnebago St., Decorah, IA 52101