John Joseph Collins

Dr. John Joseph Collins, D.O., died peacefully at home on September 21, 2022, with his loving family by his side in Battle Creek, Michigan.

John was born April 21, 1948 in Detroit, Michigan to devoted parents Vincent and Elizabeth (Toepher) Collins.

John attended Detroit Catholic Central. He continued his education at Wayne State University, graduating in 1971. He received his medical degree from Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Chicago, IL, graduating in 1976. John interned at Mount Clemens Hospital Mount Clemens, MI. John located his practice in Battle Creek, Michigan following his extensive medical training. Subsequently, he established Lakeview Family Practice in 1984, where he faithfully served the Battle Creek community for over 37 years. With the assistance of Dr. Philip Ptacin, John was instrumental in founding and operating the Battle Creek Nursing Clinic, which provided city residents with valuable and necessary indigent medical and dental care. In 1995, the pair were awarded the J.C. Penny Golden Rule Award, 2002-The Battle Creek Enquirer George Award and 2013- The Dale G. Griffin Healthcare Leadership Award from the Battle Creek Community Foundation.

John was united in marriage to Maura Ann Madden on September 20, 1975. Surviving him is his beloved wife of 47 years, Maura. Together they nurtured and raised their loving children, Lauren (Stephen) McNeill of Raleigh, NC, Matthew Collins of Battle Creek, Brendan (Kelli) Collins of Kalamazoo and Michael Collins of Battle Creek. John was also the proud grandfather of seven grandchildren, John, Peter, Katherine, Molly McNeill, Eleanor, Mary and Thomas Collins. John also had two devoted brothers, Vincent (Helen Gilbert) and Gregory (deceased); a sister-in-law, Cheryl Collins and many nieces, nephews, cousins and their families.

John's devotion to his wife and family was second only to his deep personal relationship with God. He loved few things more than spending time with his family. John was an avid downhill skier, enjoyed listening to music, traveling, the outdoors and driving fast. John was a faithful member of Battle Creek's Saint Joseph Roman Catholic Church. He was a Cub Scout Pack Leader along with membership of Saint Joseph's Dads Club. He was a lifetime member of the Alano Club. John's professional memberships included Michigan State Medical Society, American Osteopathic Association and the Calhoun County Medical Society during his career.

John always displayed a generous and kind heart to everyone he encountered. His infectious humor followed him throughout his lifetime enabling him to bring a smile to family, friends, associates and patients. He will forever be remembered for his unmitigated love, outright concern and consummate care that he continuously provided to the entire Battle Creek community.

Friends and associates will be received at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care on Sunday, October 2nd from 4:00- 7:00 p.m. where the Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. The Rosary will be livestreamed and may be viewed at: https://vimeo.com/event/2472974. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Christopher J. Ankley at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 3, 2022. The Mass was recorded and may be viewed at https://vimeo.com/756579424.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alano Club of Battle Creek, 1125 W. Territorial Rd. Battle Creek, MI 49015 or St. Joseph Catholic Church, 61 N. 23rd Street, Battle Creek, MI 49015.

Arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care. Personal messages or remembrances of John may be placed here in the Memory Book at https://farleyestesdowdle.tributes.com/condolences/leave_memory/108547053.