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In memory of
Dean Collier
December 16, 1942 - January 18, 2019
Dec 16, 1942 - Jan 18, 2019
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Dean's obituary
The son of Harold and Lois (Bruce) Collier, Dean was born on December 16, 1942. He grew up in the Elkhart/Mt. Pulaski area, graduating from Mt. Pulaski High School in 1961.
Dean farmed with his father and then joined the Air Force in 1963, serving the country as a weather radar technician. Upon discharge in 1967, he was employed by NCR as a business machine technician.
He married Susan Hawk on December 20, 1969. They recently celebrated their 49th anniversary.
He retired from NCR after 26 years, but not one to sit still, he spent the next two years driving semi-trucks across the country. He then worked at Sentinel Technologies as a computer technician, before joining the office of the Illinois Secretary of State in 2000 as an information systems technician, retiring in 2010.
Retired life brought Dean full circle, back to the farm, where he helped with planting and harvest for farmer and friend Johnie Moore.
Dean was always brainstorming, building and creating, whether the project was an improvement around the house or a special prop for a dance revue or theatrical production Suzy was working on. While sitting in the backyard gazebo that Dean built, Suzy jokingly mused, “wouldn’t it be nice to have a bridge from the study out to the gazebo?” The next day she was surprised to discover a door had been cut in the wall and a bridge over the lawn had begun. That gazebo has become a spiritual spot where many friends have gathered over the years.
With a passion for tractors and trains and things with motors, Dean and Suzy were well known for cruising around rural Illinois on their motorcycle or in their roadster kit car. They traveled throughout the US and enjoyed a 5300 mile motorcycle trip across Canada. He later built a 3-wheel motorcycle. Dean enjoyed his time at Walt Disney World a few years ago, learning up close how the theme park prepared their vintage steam engines for the day’s work. Most recently, the duo enjoyed a 2-week cruise to Alaska in August.
Most of all, he loved spending time with Suzy and and their furry friends at "the little house in the big woods" in rural Illiopolis.
He is survived by his wife, Susan; brothers Harold (wife, Sandy) of Battle Creek, MI; Ron Collier (wife, Pauline) of Falmouth, KY; Larry (wife, Linda) and Jerry (wife, Lee Ellen aka Bubbles) both of Mt. Pulaski; several nieces and nephews, as well as great- and great-great nieces and nephews, and more friends than anyone can count. Dean didn’t know a stranger; had a wicked sense of humor and loved a good story over coffee (or a stronger brew) and entertained countless waitresses from coast-to-coast for the better part of five decades.
The family sends special thanks to the professionals at the Memorial Medical Center Regional Cancer Center and the Springfield Clinic Cancer Center for their professionalism, compassion and kindness for the past five years. Additional appreciation to Hospice Home Services from Memorial Home Services.
A celebration of Dean’s life will be held at The Legacy Theatre on Sunday, March 24, 2019, from 2:00pm to 5:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Legacy Theatre, PO Box 7441, Springfield, IL 62791 or by visiting www.AtTheLegacy.com/donate.ht…
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Memories & condolences
My sincerest condolences Suzy. You are in my prayers. Dean was full of life and lived it to the fullest. If you need…
My sincerest condolences Suzy. You are in my prayers. Dean was full of life and lived it to the f…
My sincerest condolences Suzy. You are in my prayers. Dean was…
Oh Susie, I am so sorry to hear about Dean. He was a joy to be around and I enjoyed getting to know you both. Dean wi…
Oh Susie, I am so sorry to hear about Dean. He was a joy to be around and I enjoyed getting to kno…
Oh Susie, I am so sorry to hear about Dean. He was a joy to be …
You’re in my prayers, Suzy. Hold tight to your memories and your faith. Your memories will comfort you and your faith w…
You’re in my prayers, Suzy. Hold tight to your memories and your faith. Your memories will comfort …
You’re in my prayers, Suzy. Hold tight to your memories and your…
Susie...I'm so sorry to read about Dean's passing. He was always so happy and had that great smile when he pulled up o…
Susie...I'm so sorry to read about Dean's passing. He was always so happy and had that great smile…
Susie...I'm so sorry to read about Dean's passing. He was alway…
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Susan Collier.
