Michael J. Collins, age 81, of Dubuque, passed away on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at Harmony Dubuque.  To celebrate Michael’s life, his family will greet guests from 9:00 a.m. until the time of mass at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 21, 2026,  at the Church of the Nativity, 1225 Alta Vista Street, Dubuque, Iowa, with Fr. Mark Murphy officiating.  Burial was in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.  Behr Funeral Home is assisting his family.

Michael was born on May 23, 1945, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of John and Catherine (Kretz) Collins.

Mike graduated from Loras College in Dubuque with a degree in History.  He began teaching at St. Mary’s Grade School in Clinton, Iowa in 1967.  In 1968 he was drafted into the U.S. Army and honorably served his country for 2 years during Vietnam as a combat medic.  He was injured in a rescue under-fire earning him a Purple Heart.  After five years recovering from his injury, he returned to his teaching career at St. Patrick’s Grade School in Dubuque.  He was a very faithful and active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dubuque until its closing.  After that he became a member of the Church of the Nativity.  Mike was very devoted to his parents. In his free time, Mike was very involved with the Disabled American Veterans, an organization dear to his heart.  He was a voracious reader and loved watching movies, especially Mel Brooks movies.  Mike loved spending time outside working in his yard.  He very much enjoyed traveling, especially with his parents and family taking several trips to Hawaii, New York and Canada.  He also enjoyed collecting Brass and Lladro sculptures and figurines.

Those left to cherish Michael’s memory include

his siblings,
Dennis Collins, Wiconia, MN,
Tim Collins, Santa Rosa, CA,
Kevin Collins, Dubuque, IA,
Maura (Curt) Manly, St. Louis, MO,
Colleen (Timothy) Jarman, Sioux City, IA
and Brian (Dee) Collins, Dubuque, IA.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, a sister-in-law, Judy Collins, and several aunts and uncles.

Mike’s family would like to thank the staffs of Harmony Dubuque, Eagle Point Place and Hospice of Dubuque for the exceptional care they provided.

Cards and memorials in Mike’s memory may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Michael Collins Family.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.behrfuneralhome.com