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Donald Francis Collins
Jody Hane2023-07-16T18:04:39-05:00
- Name: Donald Francis Collins
- Location of Birth: New Haven, Connecticut
- Date of Birth: October 23, 1923
- Date of Death: July 13, 1996 (72 years old)
- Parents: John Collins and Evelyn (Mannix) Collins
- High School and Class: 1941
- College:
- Highest Rank: CPL (Corporal)
- Branch: Army
- Other Branch:
- Date Sworn In: February 22, 1943 (Enlistment Date)
- Place Sworn In:
- Date of Discharge: March 3, 1946 (Discharge Date)
- Place of Discharge:
-
- Military Awards:
- Military Highlights:
Donald served in the field artillery, 97th Infantry Division.
Information in the United States, World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947:
Name: Donald Francis Collins
Race: White
Age: 18
Relationship to Draftee: Self (Head)
Birth Date: October 23, 1923
Birth Place: New Haven, Connecticut, USA
Residence Place: New Haven, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
Registration Date: June 30, 1942
Registration Place: New Haven, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
Employer: J. E. Echlin Manufacturing Company
Height: 5' 7"
Weight: 138
Complexion: Light
Hair Color: Brown
Eye Color: Blue
Next of Kin: John C. Collins
Other obvious physical characteristics that will aid in identification: birth mark on forehead between eyes
- Wars Involved:
World War II
- MIA / POW:
- Civilian Life:
Donald grew up and attended school in New Haven, Connecticut.
He moved to Grand Rapids, Minnesota in 1945 and worked at Blandin Paper Company until retiring in 1989.
He was secretary for Blandin Credit Union and was a Cub Scout leader. He was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Grand Rapids, Minnesota and a member of St. Augustine's Catholic Church in Cohasset, Minnesota. He was a member of Ponti-Peterson VFW Post 1720, the Moose Lodge and Fraternal Order of Eagles in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.
On December 9, 1943, he married Doris McNeil in Swatara, Minnesota.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Surviving are his wife, Doris; daughter, Jackie Ploof; three sons, Barry, Timothy, and John; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two sisters, Merge Gerthwaite and Betty Tulp.
Donald died in his home and is buried in Itasca Calvary Cemetery at Grand Rapids, Minnesota. (Plot C-A-38-0-2)
- Tribal Affiliation(s):
