FREEPORT * Jerry R. Collins, 75, of Freeport died Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2006, at his home with his wife and youngest stepdaughter at his side.
He was born June 23, 1930, in Peoria to Howard and Annette (Avainski) Collins. Jerry married Margaret Mancel Jones in Lake Geneva, Wis., on Sept. 24, 1988.
Mr. Collins worked as an administrative assistant for United Airlines for 36 years and was a member of Embury United Methodist Church. Jerry began a "side career" in acting at age 16 and has worked as a movie extra in films such as "Prelude to a Kiss," "Hoffa," "Home Alone 2," "Dutch" and "Groundhog Day." He also performed on stage at various theaters, including Winneshiek Playhouse in Freeport, Barn Community Theatre in Dubuque, Iowa, Town Square Players in Woodstock, Woodstock Musical Theatre, Elgin Community Players, and others too numerous to mention.
He is survived by his wife, Marge of Freeport; one son, Christopher J. Collins of Genoa; one daughter, Catherine (Jose) Rossi of Napa, Calif.; four stepdaughters, Margaret (Jim) Osmun of Crystal Lake, Elizabeth (Jim) Kramer of Verona, Wis., Janet Jones of Ridgefield, Mary Jones of Loveland, Colo.; one stepson, Allen Jones of Woodstock; two brothers, Michael (Marie) Collins of Rockford and Phillip (Maryann) Collins of Melrose Park; one grandson, Gabriel; seven stepgrandchildren, James, Andrew, Jaclyn, Daniel, Jenner, Michael and Clariel.
Preceding him in death were his parents and one infant son, John J. Collins.The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Embury United Methodist Church with the Rev. Rob Benson officiating. Cremation rites will be accorded.Visitation will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. today at Walker Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in his name for the OSF Saint Anthony Hospice and Embury United Methodist Church.
The Collins family invites friends to extend condolences, share a memory, or light a candle in Jerry's honor at www.walkermortuary.com.