Gerald Collins

Gerald Collins, age 79 of Belle Fourche, died Thursday, March 23, 2023 at the Monument Health Rapid City Hospital.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 am Thursday, March 30, 2023 at St. Paul Catholic Church in Belle Fourche.  Visitation will be held 5 to 7pm Wednesday at Leverington Funeral Home of the Northern Hills in Belle Fourche.  Following, there will be a Vigil Service at the church at 7:30pm.  Interment will take place in Pine Slope Cemetery.  Military Honors will be presented by the Belle Fourche Veterans Honor Guard.

Gerald Allan Collins was born May 16, 1943 in Gary, Indiana.  He was the son of William and Millie (Thompson) Collins.  Gerald grew up in Gary, where he graduated from high school.  For many years, Gerald was a welder for the Union Tank Car Company.  He lived in Gary IN, East Chicago IN, and Portage IN.  He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers, and Helpers; Lodge 524, based in East Chicago IN.  He retired at age 62.  Gerald served his country in the U. S. Marines and was discharged honorably in June of 1970.  On December 16, 1988 he was united in marriage to Loretta at the Nativity of Our Savior Catholic Church in Portage IN.  Together they were blessed with almost 35 years of marriage.  Following their marriage, Gerald and Loretta lived in Portage IN.  In 1998 they moved to Wanatah IN, and in 2006 they moved to Belle Fourche.

One of Gerald’s loves in life was co-piloting airplanes with his brother, Bob.  Together they shared many memories of flying.  Gerald enjoyed garage sales, collecting clocks, and he loved his snacks.  He was kind-hearted and he will be missed greatly

Gerald is survived by his wife, Loretta Collins of Belle Fourche; daughter, Theresa (David) Prozeller of Belle Fourche; son, Dan Pajor of Belle Fourche; grandchildren, Zachary Wager, Zane Wager; brother, Robert Collins of Westville IN; and sister, Judith (Paul) Byers of Boonville IN.  He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Edward Pajor; and sister, Rebecca Satanick.