In loving memory of Tom Collins, a wonderful and caring man to all who knew him. He left us on December 30, 2024 to go to his Heavenly home.

Tom was born on October 2, 1965 in Jersey City, New Jersey. He was adopted into the loving home of Dean and Kathy Collins. In 1968, his sister Kimberly was born. The family lived in Schaumburg, Illinois until 1977 when they moved to River Falls, Wisconsin. Tom was a bright student and excelled in sports—football was his favorite. He made lifetime friends in River Falls, and these many friendships carried on throughout his life. In addition to his many friends while growing up, he was a dedicated uncle who loved and supported his two nieces, Courtney and Michelle, who lovingly named him “Uncle Buddy.”

Tom attended the University of Wisconsin – LaCrosse and the University of Wisconsin – Platteville, where he earned degrees in Math, Computer Science, and Civil Engineering. Tom was a highly respected Civil Engineer since 1996. He owned RFC Engineering in Ham Lake, Minnesota, where he served as the City Engineer for 28 years.

Tom had a passion for the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman from a young age. He was exceptional in archery and firearms and has countless mounts displaying his success.

In 2002, Tom and Julie met by chance in Webb Lake, Wisconsin while Julie was visiting her cabin and Tom was fishing with his friend Bruezy. Their union and loving relationship spanned 23 years. Tom’s adventurous spirit wore off on Julie, and their lives were filled with endless activities including camping, fishing, motorcycling, trail riding, kayaking, boating, and hanging out with friends in Tom’s shed. Most important to Tom and Julie was spending time with their family and friends.

Tom was preceded in death by his grandparents, Paul and Katherine Mueller and Arthur and Clara Collins. He is survived by parents, Dean and Kathy Collins; sister, Kimberly Leeb and her husband, Myles Leeb; and his life partner, Julie Peterson. Tom is also survived by his two nieces, Courtney Collins and Michelle Frame; great-nieces, Caitlin Collins and Kaiylee Schlussler; great-nephews, Hunter Collins, Liam Kephart and Tony Schlussler; as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Tom was deeply loved and will be remembered forever for his love of life, kindness and generosity.

Visitation will take place Saturday, January 11, 2025 from 10-11AM at Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church is Balsam Lake. The funeral service will then follow, beginning at 11AM.

Last Update: Jan 06, 2025 1:31 pm CST