Franz Collin

A visitation for Franz Collin will be held on Monday, April 10, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege, Nebraska, with the family greeting from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

A private interment will be held prior to the service at the Fridhem Cemetery at Funk, Nebraska.

A Memorial Service for Franz Collin will be held on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at the Loomis Evangelical Free Church in Loomis, Nebraska, with Pastor Tom Thompson officiating.

Franz Collin peacefully passed away on Monday, April 3, 2023, at the Phelps Memorial Health Center in Holdrege, at the age of 94 years, and 11 months.  Franz was born on May 3, 1928, to Eric and Pearl (Epping) Collin in rural Phelps County, Nebraska. He graduated from Holdrege High School in 1945.

On August 27, 1950, Franz was united in marriage to Irene Ethel Eloise Anderson at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Holdrege.  This union was blessed with four children:  Nancy, Virginia (Ginn), Sylvia, and Theodore (Ted).

Franz and Irene set up farming near Funk, where they continued to farm until moving to Holdrege in 2005.  Franz was an active member of the Funk Lions Club, Funk Co-op, and the Funk Telephone Company.  He utilized his electrical license, working for neighbors.

Franz raised corn, wheat, milo, and alfalfa.  He also raised cattle and hogs, and enjoyed raising exotic fowl.  His most enjoyed activity was playing his guitar and providing programs for numerous Phelps County activities.  Franz was a member of the "Scandinavian's", music group.  In his last years, you could find him making music at North Park.  Franz and Irene made their home at Christian Homes, until their final passing.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Irene in 2007; a great-grandson, Jackson Theodore Collin in 2015; his sister, Theone Ericson; and two sons-in-law:  Jerrold Schroeder; and Steve DeBoer.

Franz leaves to celebrate his life his children:  three daughters: Nancy Schroeder of Sylvania, Ohio; Ginn Parks (Ron) of Lincoln, Nebraska; and Sylvia DeBoer of Hastings, Nebraska; one son, Ted Collin (Cindy) of Loomis; eight grandchildren: Krista Wales; Emily (Rudy) LaPoint; Andrew (Allissa) DeBoer; Sean (Elizabeth) Parks; Mark DeBoer, Benjamin (Logann) Collin, Amber (Ethan) Kenney; and April (Robert) Edgren; 15 great-grandchildren; along with other family members and friends.

A memorial has been established in Franz's honor and kindly suggested to Christian Homes Care Community.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.