John A. Collins

John A. Collins, “Jack”, 84, of La Crosse, passed away quietly during his Sunday afternoon nap on June 26, at his home, from Parkinson’s disease with his wife by his side.

Jack was born July 15, 1931, to John and Mercedes (Smith) Collins in La Crosse. In his school years, Jack enjoyed sports and was a standout athlete in football and basketball at Aquinas High School. He married Kathleen J. (Nekola) Quint on September 10, 1955.

Jack worked several years as a sign painter with Collins Sign Company in La Crosse and went on to become an electrician/member with the local chapter of the International Brotherhood Of Electrical Workers.

In his retirement years he filled his days with many hobbies, which included portrait, landscape, and wildlife paintings on canvas, as well as abstract sculptures. He was a collector and struggling practitioner of magic tricks and he loved to listen to his vast music collection. He very much enjoyed photography – no family get-together was complete without Jack capturing posed portraits and candid moments. If there was a sit-down for any reason, there was going to be a joke told – no ifs, ands, or buts – humor was a constant. His ability to remember names and details was unrivalled.

Jack was an avid sports fan who enjoyed following the Badgers, Bucks, and his beloved Packers. He enjoyed watching golf, boxing, tennis, and Olympic competition. In his retirement, he could often be seen on Friday and Saturday mornings, out and about on his bicycle, scouring local rummage sales for that sweet deal he could proudly come home with.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings; Tom (Diane), Gerald (Lonell), and Mary Lou (Matt) Schroeder.

He is survived by his wife, Kathleen, his children; Cindi Quint, Richard Quint, Patsy (Frank) Tino, John (Bonnie), Terry (Kathleen), Brian, and Chris; six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Friends and family may call, Thursday June 30, 2016, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Blaschke & Schneider Funeral Home, 1501 West Avenue South, La Crosse, with a memorial service starting at 7:00 PM. Rev. Ted Dewald will officiate.

Online condolences may be made at www.blaschkeschneider.com