Larry Collins
February 18, 1934 - February 29, 2024
Obituary
Madison – Larry L. Collins was born at home in Westfield, Wisconsin to Chester Lee Collins and Evelyn Grace (Dewar) Collins on February 18, 1934.
He attended Westfield Grade School and Westfield Union Free High School where he participated in baseball, football, basketball, and track. Larry excelled in track and was inducted into the Westfield Sports Hall of Fame in 2023.
After earning his bachelor’s degree from Stevens Point State Teacher’s College (Now UW Stevens Point) Larry was hired to teach for the public schools in Madison, Wisconsin. After teaching for about six weeks, he was drafted into the Army. When he was honorably discharged Larry returned to Madison to continue working as a teacher and later as a middle school counselor with his master’s degree from UW Madison. He served the Madison Public Schools for over 30 years.
On August 12, 1951, Larry married Mary (Peg) Margaret McCormick. They enjoyed 62.5 years together. Larry enjoyed hunting, fishing, telling jokes, playing cards, family trips to Florida, playing craps and for many years, coaching his sons’ sports teams. He was an avid fan of the Memorial High School boys’ basketball team where his son is the varsity coach. Larry was also a loyal cubs fan his entire life, but also followed the Bucks and Packers. His favorite times were spent with his family. Larry and Peg were founding members of St. Peter’s Catholic Church.
Larry passed away at Oakwood Village Prairie Ridge Meadows on February 29th at the age of 90. The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the Oakwood Village workers, Hospice Care team and Dr. Daly for their special care and service.
Larry was preceded in death by his mother and father. Survivors include his wife, Mary (Peg), sons Michael (Rebecca) and Stephen (Mya), grandchildren Zachary, Rachel, Reese, Drew and Emma, and his sister Mary and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Madison Memorial Boys Basketball c/o Tim Richardson, 201 S. Gammon Rd, Madison, WI 53717 or to St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 5001 N. Sherman Ave, Madison, WI 53704.
A private family service will be held at a later date.
To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.
Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
2418 N. Sherman Ave.
608-249-8257