David G. Collins obituary

David G. Collins

August 29, 1958 • July 21, 2025

David Gerard Collins was born on August 29, 1958, in Benson, Minnesota, and passed away July 21, 2025, after enduring eight difficult years living with Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia.  He was preceded in death by his parents, David and Mary Collins, and his brother, William Collins.

David was raised in DeGraff, Minnesota and was a 1976 graduate of Benson High School.  He earned a two-year vocational degree at Willmar Community College and joined Addendum Ten, where he spent most of his career as a skilled cabinet maker and whiteboard installer. 

David’s primary passions were music and motorcycles. He took many weeklong trips on his Harley Davidson, oftentimes with just a tent, and always as his own mechanic.  He traveled across Canada and rode in all 50 states.   Even in the advanced stages of his illness, confined to a chair in a long-term care facility, his eyes would light up when he heard a motorcycle passing by, and he would smile while rattling off the make and model.   

David was also a fixture at family events.  He was reserved, but was always listening, and his gentle presence brought great comfort to everyone in the room. He will be greatly missed by his extended family, and his friends who shared his passion for motorcycles.

David is survived by his three sisters: Patricia Schluender (Leo), Rose Bailey, and Susan (Sam Packer), along with seven nieces and nephews and their children.  David will be interred in the DeGraff cemetery at 9:00 a.m.  August 2, 2025.  

May his memory be a blessing and may he rest in peace.