Lee J. Collins

COLLINS, Lee J. of Bloomfield Hills, formerly of Keego Harbor; born to Herbert and Emma Collins in Urbana, MO on January 24, 1935; passed away on April 18, 2025, at the age of 90. Beloved husband of Betty Collins for 55 years; Loving father of Michelle (Justin) Van Zweden and Lisa (Jack) Parker; Proud grandfather of Gabriella White and Jakob Van Zweden.

Lee attended Roosevelt School in Keego Harbor and was one of the last surviving students to attend all 12 years there. He spent most of his adult life working at General Motors for 30 years. Some of those years he spent serving in the Army. He married the love of his life, Betty, in August of 1969. With the marriage came his daughter Lisa who he raised as his own. He made sure to include her in their anniversary celebrations since she was a wonderful gift from their marriage.  Lee was an amazing athlete. He was excellent in all sports but was specifically good at basketball. His love for sports encouraged him to volunteer to coach softball and basketball, which he was more than happy to do. His true passion was coaching his daughter Michelle and her friends. He traveled all over the country with her while she pursued her dream.  His other daughter Lisa did not share the same love for sports, but they ended up sharing the same love for motorbikes. Despite the differences in interest between his two daughters, he embraced each of his daughter's passions.  He was a huge Detroit Lions fan, and he loved the Tasmanian Devil. In his free time, he enjoyed traveling with his dear wife Betty. He enjoyed rock and crystal mining, which took them to Thunder Bay, Canada all the way to Arkansas. They especially loved to travel to Betty's favorite place, Mackinaw Island. He was a devoted husband to Betty. He had been by her side throughout the entirety of their marriage, no matter the obstacles. They were devoted churchgoers and even sang in the choir together. Lee adored his family, which included the Lourde's family. He was so proud to be Gabriella and Jakob's grandpa; they could do no wrong in his eyes.  Lee was the kind of person who wanted to make everyone feel loved. He made an impact on anyone who was lucky enough to meet him. He lived a very full life. He was truly a light in everyone's life, and he will be dearly missed.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to Lourdes Senior Community or Alzheimer's Association .

Please leave a memory or condolence on the online guestbook at www.wintfuneralhome.com