Cager Kenneth Collins

Cager Kenneth “Ken” Collins, 74, passed away peacefully Saturday, April 13, 2024, at his home in Coolidge, Arizona surrounded by family. 

Ken was born June 30, 1949, in Moline, Illinois to the late Cager C. Collins and Marcia Maxine Collins (Smith). He was the second of eight children. After graduating from Geneseo High School in 1967, Ken went on to attend Morrison Institute of Technology and obtained a degree in Engineering. Upon graduating from Morrison Tech, Ken began his first engineering job at International Harvester. He later went to work for Caterpillar in the early 1980’s and spent the remainder of his career there until his retirement. Ken really enjoyed his work and loved the opportunity to show his family all the things he helped design and was working on during family company events. After retiring from Caterpillar, Ken continued working for FedEx part time to stay active until finally retiring, due to health complications, a few years later. 

In 1967, Ken met the love of his life, Janise Strobbe, at the Dog n Suds in Rock Falls where she employed. As fate would have it, he ended up with more than just a burger and fries. He ended up with a lifetime love and companion. They spent many years together enjoying dinner theaters, movies, and visiting with family. Ken and Janise went on to have three children and eleven grandchildren. 

Although Ken enjoyed his work as an engineer, he possessed many other talents as well. He was very handy at fixing cars, appliances, and any structural issue that arose. He had just the right tool for everything! He also enjoyed cooking, baking, sewing, and woodworking. 

Ken was a man that didn’t spend too much time “talking the talk,” but he definitely “walked the walk.” He was a strong believer in Christ and as such, lived his life simply and humbly continually lending a hand to others even if he himself was in need. Ken never held a grudge or unforgiveness. What’s more, he loved unconditionally and was infinitely patient, unfailingly kind, and had an endless supply of dad jokes. Always calm in a “storm,” he was the anchor that held his family together. More than anything, nothing brought him more joy than spending time with family or getting the opportunity to see what everyone was up to on his GrandPad.

Ken was preceded in death by his daughter, Rebekah L. LaBolle, his parents, four sisters, Sharon Cima, Joline Madden, Bonnie Arrington, and Carol Cunningham, niece, Crystal Shomaker, father-in-law, Joseph Strobbe, mother-in-law Mildred Strobbe, sister-in-law Debbie Johnston, brother-in-law, Jerome Strobbe, and grand-niece, Tara Cunningham. 

He is survived by his wife, Janise, daughter, Julie (Rob) Plaza of Cincinnati, OH, son, Cager J. Collins of Coolidge, AZ; sisters: Nancy Ladd of Independence, MO, Malissa Collins of Colorado; brother: David (Betty) Collins of Sterling, IL; brothers-in-law: Kenneth Madden of Davenport, IA, Tom Cunningham Sr. of Parkview, IA, Ray Johnston; sisters-in-law: Diane (Horst) Lunk of Mauston, WI, and Christine Strobbe of Middletown, OH. He is also survived by his very beloved grandchildren Jack, Sophia, and Mac Plaza, Jasen, Sammi, Lizzy, Henry, and Max LaBolle, Rhys Collins, Rani and Eli Pavlik, and honorary grandkids Christopher Williams and Nicky and Lexie Rodriguez, plus several nieces and nephews whom he loved and adored! 

Family and friends are invited to take part in honoring and celebrating Ken’s life. A memorial will be held at CityView Celebrations at Trimble Pointe, Moline, on Saturday, June 22 from 1:00-1:30pm followed by a time of sharing from 1:30-3:00pm. Please join us in sharing some light refreshments and your favorite memories and stories of Ken.

Full obituary at www.TrimbleFuneralHomes.com