Theodore "Ted" Lawrence Collins

April 15, 1930 - January 8, 2019

Theodore "Ted" Collins, 88, of Lakewood, passed away suddenly but peacefully in his favorite reading chair in the home he built and loved overlooking the brook in Lakewood, WI. He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Prudence Collins, son Theodore T.Collins, sister, Patsy Julio, brothers Ronald and Lonnie Heibler. He is survived by his loving daughter, Wendy Collins Tumey, brother, Daniel (Karen) Heibler, grandchildren, Greg, Angela, Tommy, Ecatarina, Tyler, Nikole and Teddy and great grandchildren Alex, Ryder, Vinnie, Jax, Olivia and Lilah, Nolan and Kieran. Known as "Pop" to his extensive brood, and their friends, his life was filled with fixing broken stuff, teaching bike/motorcycle riding, blowing up water floats, untangling fishing lines, keeping his daughter supplied with night crawlers, giving driving instructions, chauffeuring day or night, sharing his stash of candy and popsicles, and being on call 24/7 for all of our needs. For family living farther away he mastered Facebook in his 80's and would regularly communicate humorous postings and corny "Pop" jokes that we all loved. He resided in Wauwatosa, WI until his retirement as an electrician from Miller Brewing Co., Lakewood was always his second home. Starting in his 20's he regularly deer hunted in Lakewood from his base at the "Tiltin' Hilton" aka a decrepit shack in the woods that was the secret getaway for him and his hunting buddies. In the 1970's Ted and his wife Prudy found the perfect spot, overlooking the Mc Causlin Brook to build their forever home. It was a labor of love (with emphasis on labor) but as they completed each building task proudly with their own hands the house took shape. Although not much of a fisherman, Ted had many favorite "hot spots' in the area and enjoyed karaoke nights and sipping beer or and old fashion with his many friends, at the local watering holes. He especially looked forward to his regular "Commitee Meetings" in the summer with his close friends Tom Ropson and "Texas" Bill, which were really just an excuse to take their traveling beer bucket to each other's homes and chew the fat! It seemed we always needed Pop for something and he was always there to help without complaint. His selfless personality, sense of humor and work ethic were beyond comparison. Pop may not have realized as we grew up we were watching, learning and absorbing these lessons. We promise you Pop your lessons did not go unheeded and we vow to keep your legacy, stories, "Pop jokes" and memory alive, in our hearts and our lives. As our Pop would say "I wouldn't lie about a thing like that!" Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 15, 2019 from 9:30-11:00 a.m. at St. Mary of The Lakes Catholic Church, Lakewood. Funeral mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Father Philip Dinh-Van-Thiep officiating. Interment will be at the St. Mary of The Lakes Catholic Cemetery. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.weberhillfuneralhome.com