Philip William Collins
August 20, 1951 ~ January 4, 2021
Born in:
Moorhead, Minnesota
Resided in:
Pueblo West, CO
Philip William Collins, 69, was born Aug. 20, 1951, in Moorhead, Minn, to Chester and Gladys (Manthei) Collins. For his first years he and his parents lived in Minot, N.D., Barnesville, Minn, and finally settled in Forest Lake, Minn. Phil played football and baseball and was active in the Drama Department while in High School. He graduated in 1970. He worked at the Bakery and he built pontoon boats after school and during the summers. Soon after, Philip attended Concordia College in their Department of Communication program. While studying, Philip worked at the campus radio station, Wright Funeral Home, Red River Tools and then Horvick Electric.
Philip married Dawn (Conway) on October 18th 1974. They had two children, Nicholas and Nolan. He was transferred to Minot where he continued to work for Horvick Electric and he also was an on-air Disc Jockey for KFYR radio. Philip was transferred back to Fargo with Horvick Electric and then worked for KFGO and WDAY radio and Western Bearing and Air Hydraulic. Philp was a proud Dad and attended all his son’s sports activities. He was also proud to do in-station production for all NDSU and FM Redhawks games on WDAY.
In 1998, Philip graduated from University of Mary College with a Master’s in Business Administration. Phil and Dawn divorced in 2001.
Phil got married to Valerie (Sweet) on June 18 2005. In 2007 Phil and Valerie settled in Pueblo West, Colo. During their time in Colorado, they remodeled their home and he worked at Motion Industries as an inside salesperson. Phil enjoyed his small business, Phil’s Firearms, the local ham radio club and political discussions with his children.
On January 4, 2021, Philip passed away with his wife and two children by his side. Philip is preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Mary. He is survived by his wife, Valerie; his two children, Nicholas (Kathy) and Nolan; two step children, Nathaniel and Christopher (Samantha); his sister, Maureen (Joe); niece, Christy; nephew, William; and six grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery, 165th Avenue S., Barnesville, Minn, Saturday, August 20, 2022, at 1:00 P.M. Online condolences, www.MontgomerySteward.com
To family of Phil Collins:
For some reason I thought of Phil and Concordia and then found his obituary…I roomed at Concordia’s Livedalen dormitory directly across the hall from Phil way back in ‘71-72. Phil was quite the Phil, we had some times that year. A particular memory is of the time several of us visited Phil when he was working one weekend at Wright Funeral Home…that was quite an experience! Phil was high energy, very witty, full of ideas and a very good card player! Over time we often lose contact with those who’ve touched our lives. I wish we had had the opportunity to see each other again.
Not sure if you’ll see this after almost 3 years but I wanted to share. God bless.
Val and family,
Even though we have not seen Phil in many years. He will never be forgotten. Many many years ago he lived in Forest Lake Minnesota. They live behind us. Their garage was the best garage for Annie Annie over. And the field next to us we all played football. In the winter we made an ice skating rink in our backyard. There were many hockey games played out there. Mary and Phil can ice skate together again. He will be at home with Mary, Chet and Gladys. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
The Daninger’s
We lived next door to Phil and Dawn in Fargo. My husband and Phil worked together at Horvicks. When Phil got transferred back to Moorhead Horvicks, they moved in next to us. We had a lot of Fri. night game nights where a few beverages were involved. Went camping a few times. Great memories!! Haven’t seen Phil since he moved away, but still have the memories!! Had a lot of fun telling people we lived next to Phil Collins!! He wasn’t THE Phil Collins, the singer, but people wondered!! He will be missed!! Thoughts and prayers go out to Val and Nick and Nolan.
Thank you Judy for the memories. It’s good to get to know Phil better through others. He was very lived and will be missed.
Valerie and family
Thank you for the thoughts and prayers. I got a kick out of dating and then marrying Phil Collins. Out daughter-in-laws loved telling their friends the Phil Collins called to sing them Happy Birthday. Our four boys and 6 grandchildren loved him dearly.
I worked with Phil for many years and thought of him as a stand up guy I could always
depend on. He was a friend and at times a co-conspirator . this came as a real shock to me and sure a bigger one to all of you . I know you will miss him and you have my sympathy and condolences. may he rest in peace
Doug nd Mary Weispfenning
Thank you Doug and Mary,
I know Phil liked working with you and I remember coming to your lake house for a party.
Yes he will be missed.
My condolences to you all. I knew Phil through my father, Doug Weispfenning, who worked with him at both Horvicks and Western Bearing. I got a kick out of telling people that my dad worked with Phil Collins. Phil was a great guy and will be sorely missed.
Thanks Kelly,
I got a kick out of saying I was married to Phil Collins. Our daughter in-law loved saying that Phil Collins would sing happy birthday to them. He will be missed.
Thank you Cindy for the great memories and story. He will be missed.
My condolences to Val, Nick and Nolan. Phil will be greatly missed. I was so blessed to call him a friend and mentor. Rest in peace Phil! ❤🙏
My condolences on behalf of Phil’s fellow classmates at the University of Mary. We all had so much fun together. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Thank you Angie,
He was so proud to get his degree. He kept the cross from them on his desk and looked forward to the news letter.