Visitation
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Thursday, August 8, 2024
Sunset Memorial Chapel
Funeral
1:30 p.m.
Thursday, August 8, 2024
Sunset Memorial Chapel
Rosemarie Collins, 92, passed away on August 5, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
Rosemarie was born on September 17, 1931, in Des Moines, IA, to Lloyd and Dorothy Plum. She graduated from Lincoln High School in 1950 and lived in Des Moines all her life. Rosemarie was a devoted wife and a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
Rosemarie dedicated her life to her family. She never missed a birthday phone call, a celebration, or a milestone. From hand-delivering school supplies to her grandchildren every August to collecting and keeping every scrap and record of their accomplishments to crafting and sewing personalized gifts, she always showed up. Even as age slowed her down, nothing deterred her from continuing these beloved traditions. Despite limited means and debilitating arthritis, she spent hundreds of hours over the years pouring her heart into crafting and sewing—from poodle skirts to intricate wedding and bridesmaid dresses to blankets and quilts. No matter how lean the year, she always managed to have a gift for every child, grandchild, and last-minute guest at Christmas. Each gift was meticulously labeled in her unmistakable cursive scrawl and individually wrapped, ensuring enough wrapping paper to throw at an unsuspecting cousin or uncle. She was most content and happy surrounded by five generations of family, sitting back and beaming with laughter while the chaos ensued around her.
Rosemarie was cherished for her sweet and kind demeanor, charming everyone she met. But some may be surprised that despite her gentle nature, she had no trouble speaking her mind or stringing together a slew of four-letter words to underscore her point. She was an avid WWE fan long before her grandchildren came along. While she loved the heroes of the story, especially Dusty Rhodes, her grandkids often rooted for the “villains,” leading to lively and loud viewing sessions in separate rooms. The grandkids' cheers were often drowned out by Grandma’s colorful commentary directed at “that [redacted] damn Triple H.”
She is survived by her five children: Mary Wolinski, Judy Cunningham, Sally Bernard, Charlene McNew, and Larry Collins; along with 12 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and nine great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, William (Jake) Collins; her parents, Lloyd and Dorothy Plum; her sister, Charlotte Bickelhaupt; her son-in-law, Mike Bernard Sr.; her best friend of over 50 years, Lois Clark; her nephew, L.D. Bickelhaupt; and her eldest grandchild, John Cunningham, Jr.
Rosemarie will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, and unwavering love for her family and friends. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
