Marilee E. Collins

Marilee Edna (Abens) Collins was called to her heavenly home on January 30, 2021 at the age of 83. She passed away at Country View Nursing Facility in Hampton, Iowa surrounded by family and her favorite nursing staff. Marilee was born the daughter of Lawrence and Edna Abens on April 21, 1937 in Lake Park Township near Gilmore City, Iowa.


Marilee grew up on a farm near Pioneer, Iowa, later moving to Humboldt County to a farm northeast of town. She and her siblings attended school in Humboldt. She graduated from Humboldt High School in 1954. Marilee was a resident of Humboldt for most of her life, and she maintained that love and interest for her community all of her days. Marilee married Roger Collins on July 3, 1955 in Bode, Iowa. They had four children: Pam, Deb, Barb, and David. She was a life-long Lutheran and member of Zion Lutheran Church in Humboldt.


Marilee was a stay-at-home Mom until her children reached their teenage years. She filled her time with sewing, baking, and “coffee time” with friends and family. Marilee’s door was always open and the coffee pot was always on ready to welcome the next visitor to her table. She was a caregiver at heart, and she babysat in her home for her “fifth child” Michelle Dornath; later working as a CNA and group home supervisor. Marilee’s heart and soul were her faith, love for her children, music, and friendships. She was a member of the Zion Lutheran church choir for over fifty years and a member of the Humboldt Community Chorus. She supported the Humboldt Music Boosters and encouraged all of her children to participate in music. As long as she lived, Marilee was surrounded by music, and when there was nothing playing, she could be heard humming a song and tapping her toe to whatever was playing in her head. Marilee was very close to her sister, Yvonne, and the two always made a point to spend time together, whether visiting in their homes, playing cards, or traveling to other states. She was a devoted, life-long friend to many, but especially to her dear friend, Joyce Fisher.


Marilee was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Edna; three brothers, Delmar, Kenneth (Colleen), and Howard (Rita) Abens and two nephews, Mitch Noah and Stuart Abens, along with many dear friends.

She will be remembered by her children, Pam LaBruyere (George Castellanos), Deb (Jim) Meade, Barb (Carl) Pettigrew, and David Collins (Teresa Hughes), and grandchildren Jacob Anderson (Cassie Schipull), Kara (Marcus) Berhow, and Kale (Erica) Knisley. Marilee has three great-grandchildren, Kamryn, Cooper, and Hank, who were her delight when they came to visit. She is also survived by many much-loved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.


Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 2, 2021 and the Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 3 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Humboldt. Burial will be in Union Cemetery. Memorial may be left to the family in Marilee’s name. www.masonlindhart.com