Shirley Collins passed away peacefully with her daughters by her side at her home in Adams, Wisconsin on Sunday, October 22nd, 2023, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Shirley was the daughter of Harvey and Florence (Dornfeld) Rettschlag and was born August 9th, 1935, in Hustisford, Wisconsin. Growing up on a farm, she spent many summers in Chicago with her beloved Aunt Minnie before graduating from Horicon High School in 1953 as a proud cheerleader and baton twirler. Shirley went on to marry Lewis F. Erdmann, and later, Ronald E. Collins. She is survived by her six loving children: Code (Mary) Erdmann, Drue (Tami) Erdmann, Holly Sanchez, Rene Elkington, Tami Broome, and Misty (Sargon) Hermiz. Shirley is also a grandmother, great grandmother, and great-great grandmother to many, known as “Grandma” to all she knew.
Shirley enjoyed many activities including crocheting, shopping, a game of cards or Yahtzee, and cheering on the Packers. She loved watching the morning birds with a cup of coffee. She looked forward to dinners with family and picking out the perfect outfit beforehand. Many remember her for her fabulous wardrobe. She loved sharing laughs with her family and wasn’t afraid to laugh at herself too. Large family gatherings could always be found at her house for Christmas and Thanksgiving which she insisted on doing most of the cooking for, and always ended in a game of Euchre. Above all, she loved the Lord and honored Jesus as her Savior in all that she did. Her greatest joy was Sunday at Adams Assembly of God, where she could worship and lean on God for her strength.
As Shirley trusted in the Lord’s perfect plan for her life, please join us to celebrate her life and legacy, and honor God’s faithfulness. Funeral services will be at 3:00 PM on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at Roseberry’s Funeral Home in Friendship with visitation at 1:00 PM, where Shirley’s cherished Pastor Mark Stevens will be officiating. A dinner will follow at 4:30 PM at Adams Assembly of God, 2202 State Hwy 13, Adams, Wis. “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” (Psalm 23:6)
To all of Shirley’s family,
I didn’t know your mom well but what I did know was that she loved all of you so much. Also that she loved the Lord and is now in his loving arms. May you keep her Ali e in your hearts through all the precious memories. RIP Shirley
Thank You Jesus for the friendship I had with both Shirley and Ron. Thank you Erdmanns for sharing your mother with me. I fondly remember our ‘working’ together through the various projects around the family households.
May our Holy Spirit continue to sustain all of you.
I am so sorry to hear of your family’s loss, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you
She is a Christian and she was a genuine person. She was full of love and she told people how she felt. No masquerading. Don’t know how a person could know her and not love her. She’ll be missed, but I think we’ll all (who love and trust in the Lord) be reunited soon. So until then
We are very sorry for your loss ((hugs))
Our most sincere condolences to Shirley’s family. We always enjoyed our visits with Shirley at the campground. She always has a smile to share.
Dear Erdmann’s, so sorry your mom is no longer to be seen on this side. Her love for the Lord and you all will live on through you. The best legacy of all. I wish I could be at the services this weekend but I will be away. May the God of all comfort provide happy memories until you see her again! John 11:25
Coy
Our thoughts are with Shirley’s family at this sad time. Cherish the memories.
Shirley was quite a woman! I am honored to have known her and her kids and grandkids. We will miss her smile and zest for life. You are now in the arms of our loving Father. Teresa and Rubber Marti.
Misty, Cody, Jason, Tony & families~ So very sorry for the loss of y’all’s Mom and grandma. 😇
May God comfort everyone as they celebrate a life well lived and now in the arms of the Lord! 🙏✝️🙏 What a precious gift we are given when we keep our faith in God. Eternal life in Heaven!! ♥️
Prayers, love & hugs~🥰 Michelle (Culp) Pollex
So sorry, Rene. Hugs!
Rene, Holly, Tami, Drew and Code. So sorry to hear of Shirley’s passing. She was loved by many. Sending prayers and condolences to you and your families.
CODE,DREW,RENE,HOLLY ,TAMMY AND FAMILY
GROWING UP ERDMANN ARE MY FONDEST MEMORIES. WE WERE ALWAYS TOGETHER AND THOSE PARTIES PLAYING CARDS OR HORSESHOES TILL DAWN. WE WILL MISS AUNT SHIRLEY AND ALL THE MEMORIES WITH HER. LOVE AND PRAYERS TO YOU ALL..SO SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF YOUR MOM.
My Aunt Shirley was a classy, sassy at times, funny most other times, a lover of the Lord and an adoring mother, grandmother, and great grandmother! And her laugh and love for life will be so missed!
I’ll love you forever Aunt Shirley ❤️
She was a sweet and beautiful soul . Always a smile . She will be missed!