Richard L. Collins

Richard L. Collins, 79, of Moorhead, MN, passed away on Tuesday, September 7, 2021, at Essentia Health in Fargo, ND. Richard was born September 17, 1941, in Alexandria, MN, to Roy and Louise (Schackel) Collins. He graduated from Alexandria High School and continued his education at the University of Minnesota, where he received his degree. In 1964 he married JeriAnne Smith in Minneapolis and together they raised 4 children. Following his education, Richard and JeriAnne moved to Moorhead and began his career with USDA Farmers Home Administration (FmHA) as county supervisor (Ag Loan Officer). In 1989, Richard married Lila (Pake) Lovgren. In 1995 the FmHA farm loan division merged with ASCS to become Farm Service Agency. Richard retired in 2003 with 39 years of civil service. He also enjoyed staying active in the community. He was the past president of the MN Association of FmHA County Supervisors, was a member of Optimist International as well as Bethesda Lutheran Church in Moorhead. He assisted with the development of Bethesda All Stars childcare center (BAS) by building an office and served on the BAS Board of Directors for several years. In retirement, gardening became a new passion, especially growing peppers – hot peppers. Richard and his wife traveled to Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico, Florida, and Arizona inviting family and friends to join them on their travels. Whenever he had a chance, Richard loved spending time in the outdoors, fishing and being with family. He will be dearly missed.

Richard is survived by his wife, Lila Lovgren; children, Bradley (Diane) Collins, Frontier, ND, Debbie (Jerry) Erickson, Moorhead, Steven (Kim) Collins, Kindred, ND, Michael (Karen) Collins, Minnetonka, MN, and Paula (Nick Sears) Lovgren, Moorhead;  grandchildren, Deanne (Joe Devito) Collins, Justin Collins, Jake Collins, Spencer Collins, Paige (Matt) Beneke, Riley (Taylor) Erickson, Hunter Erickson, Hailey Lovgren, Reis James, Alexis (Cody) Remmick, Austin Collins, Matt (Lexi Bergevin) Bolin, Phin (Aurora) Collins, and Meghan Collins; six great-grandchildren and sister, Maureen (Eldon Wollmann) Batterberry.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Louise.

Visitation will be Friday, September 10, from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m., followed by a prayer service at 7 p.m., in Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN.

Funeral will be Saturday, September 11, at 10:00 a.m., in Bethesda Lutheran Church, Moorhead, MN.

Interment will be at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery, Moorhead, MN.