Obit: Collinson, Leroy Arthur (1927 - 2020)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon

E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Collinson, Gruber, Peterson, Haldeman, Nieman, Esselman, Vieth, Walker, Zimmerman, Stage, Streich, Falconer, Benedict

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 3/11/2020

Collinson, Leroy Arthur (15 October 1927 – 4 March 2020) With Flag

Leroy A. Collinson, age 92, of Neillsville, formerly of Spencer, went to his eternal rest on Wednesday, March 4, 2020, at the Comfort and Recovery Suites in Marshfield.

Leroy Arthur Collinson, the son of George and Edith (Gruber) Collinson, was born on October 15, 1927, in Jacksonville, IL. In 1948, the family moved to Spencer, to operate a family farm. Leroy helped his father farm before eventually taking over ownership. He was drafted into the United States Army on October 26, 1950 and served overseas in Germany during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged on October 13, 1952. On September 22, 1956, he was united in marriage to his first love, Arlene Peterson, at the United Methodist Church in Loyal. She passed away on December 26, 1972. Leroy was later remarried to Elna R. Haldeman, his second love, on May 31, 1975, also at the United Methodist Church in Loyal. They farmed together for many years, and during this time, Leroy also worked for Land-O-Lakes in Spencer. Eventually, they retired, sold the farm, and moved to Neillsville.

He had many interests but especially loved spending time with family and friends. They were members of the York Center/Loyal United Methodist Church. Leroy loved to travel and enjoyed spending time outdoors, camping, or making maple syrup with his family.

Leroy will be dearly missed by his four children: Kathleen Nieman of Nekoosa, Michael Collinson of Neillsville, Steven (Rebecca) Collinson of Steelville, MO and Linda (Ed) Esselman of Chili, 14 grandchildren; one brother: Harold (Marliss) Collinson of Curtiss, two sisters-in-law: Doris Vieth of Sauk City, and Leora (Edwin) Walker of Spencer; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Arlene in 1972; his second wife, Elna in 2017; his parents; two sons-in-law: Don Zimmerman and Jerry Nieman; two brothers: George Collinson and Lloyd Collinson; three sisters: Florence Stage, Reva Streich and Vada Falconer; his sisters-in-law: Doris Collinson, Lois Collinson, Marian Benedict; and his brothers-in-law: Edward Streich, Merle Stage, Earl Falconer, Robert Vieth, and
Morvin Benedict;.one niece, Mary Streich and five nephews: Gary Stage, Tommy Collinson, Larry Falconer, David Benedict, and Kenneth Benedict.

Leroy was loved and will be dearly missed by many.

A Memorial service will be held this summer at the York Center-United Methodist Church in Granton. Interment with military honors will be held at the York Center Cemetery.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh,.com.  Cuddie Funeral Home of Loyal is assisting Leroy’s family with arrangements.