Virgil Collins, 77, died on Tuesday, October 10, 2006 at Northwest Medical Center in Thief River Falls, MN.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 A.M. on Monday, October 16, 2006 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Reverend Mark Hegeland officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Thief River Falls, MN.

Visitation will be from 2:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. on Sunday, October 15, 2006 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN with a 5:00 P.M. Prayer Service on Sunday evening and at the church for one hour prior to service at the church on Monday.

Virgil Edward Collins was born on May 20, 1929 in Eagle Point Township, Marshall County, MN, the son of Edward and Vida (Johnson) Collins. Virgil attended Country school in Eagle Point Township. He entered the United States Army in 1951 and was Honorably Discharged in 1953. He was discharged from active reserve in 1957. Virgil was united in marriage to Esther Henrickson on October 13, 1956 at Grace Lutheran Church in Grygla, MN. The couple made their home in the country near Thief River Falls.

Virgil worked on road construction, raised turkeys and sheep and worked for Gamble Robinson Company in sales, now called Food Services of America, for 37 years.

He enjoyed family and friends and loved spending time with his grandchildren. He enjoyed gardening, hauling beets in the fall going for rides in the country. Virgil enjoyed playing his bass guitar in several bands over the years, including Country Roads and Ramblin Fever. He was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church and Fraternal Order of the Eagles.

Virgil is survived by his wife of 50 years, Esther, of Thief River Falls, MN; three children: Tim (Barb) Collins of Park River, ND, Todd Collins of Thief River Falls, MN and Mark (Laura) Collins of Laredo, TX; grandchildren: Megan and Ryan Hanson, Lindsey, Brandon and Isabella Collins; brothers: Milton (Doris) and Gordon (Margaret), both of Minneapolis, MN, Marvin (Marilyn) and Rodney (Mary), both of Park River, ND; and one sister, Delores Jacobson of Grand Forks, ND.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one grandson, Christopher Todd; brothers: Howard, Ray and one infant brother; and sisters: Grace Rodriquez and Lila Summers.