Karen Collins, 86, of rural Humbird, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Sunday, May 10, 2026.
Karen was born September 15, 1939 in Ladysmith, Wisconsin, the daughter of Alfred and Verla (Wymore) Fink. She was raised with her 3 siblings on a farm in Rusk County, where she attended grade school and graduated in 1957 from Ingram-Glenflora High School. She was united in marriage to Dale Thomas Collins on July 25, 1959 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Tony.
The couple began their life together in Rockford, Illinois. In addition to raising her sons, Karen had been employed in the business office of St. Joseph’s Hospital in Belvidere. Wanting to return to northern Wisconsin they moved with their 2 sons to rural Humbird in 1976. While in Humbird, Karen worked 19 years for Clark County, 10 of those years with Clark County Nursing Service and then an additional 9 years with the U.W. Extension Office in Neillsville.
After her retirement Karen enjoyed working in her large and beautiful flower gardens each year. She always loved watching the birds and found that to be a very favorite past time, especially when her health made it difficult to do other things she enjoyed.
Before her sister Norma passed away, the two of them had great fun collecting all types of antiques at various sales and then twice a year displaying and selling those items at Norma’s Victorian home in Rice Lake.
As a small child her mother encouraged reading and that was instilled with Karen throughout her entire life. Relaxing with a good book was very comforting to her.
Karen will be dearly missed by her 2 sons, Randy Collins and Terry and Chris Collins all of Humbird; 2 grandsons and 2 great grandsons, Thomas and Andrea Collins and their 2 sons, Carter and Camden of Junction City, Chase and Regine Collins of Humbird; sister, Carol and Bill Solsrud of Holman.
Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Verla; husband Dale in
November of 1992; son, Gregg Collins in April of 1975; sister Norma Rollin; and . brother Gordon Fink.
No public services are being planned. The family is assisted by Anderson Funeral Home in Augusta.