Dewayne Collins, Sr.
Dewayne J. Collins, Sr., 75, of Brainerd, passed away Friday, January 24, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family and loving wife, Brenda. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, January 30, 2025, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Brainerd. Luncheon to immediately follow Mass. Family and friends are welcome to gather Wednesday evening from 4-7 p.m. at Nelson-Doran Funeral Home. There will be two short prayer services at 4 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. There is also a visit one hour prior to Mass at the church on Thursday. Interment with Military Honors will take place at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery near Camp Ripley at 2pm.
Dewayne was born January 15, 1950, the son of Fayette “Louis” and Madonna “Donna” Collins in Brainerd. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy after graduating from Brainerd School. He served in Vietnam on the USS Knox DE 1502. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Brainerd and worked as a welder for the Brainerd Rail Shop. During a layoff in 1982, Dewayne decided to purchase a small refuse business of 375 customers, which grew to over 6,000 under his operation. When Dewayne returned to the Railroad in 1992, he continued to grow the business for the next 35 years. When he retired, Dewayne and the family made the decision to sell the business so he could focus on his community involvement in the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars – he enjoyed supported these organizations and especially his involvement with Wreaths for the Fallen and Legion Riders. He held numerous offices at the local and district levels. For many years, Dewayne was also on the Crow Wing County Fair Board. One of his true joys came from playing the role of Santa at many Christmas gatherings throughout the area.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Brenda; son, Dewayne, Jr. “DJ” (Krista); daughter, Stacie (Dan) Bednarek; grandchildren, Delani (fiancé, Noah Johnson) Collins, Blake Collins, Ayden Bednarek, Isabell Bednarek; and Ian Britton; step-daughter, Jennifer (Matthew) Britton; siblings, Janice (Darrell) Vogt and Julie (Joe) Jedlicka; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends. Dewayne was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Charlotte; and grandson, Linden Bednarek.
Dewayne was truly loved and will be missed by his family, friends, community and the many veterans’ organizations he supported.