Donald G. Collin, 92, of DeKalb, Illinois passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, on February 28th, 2026.

Don was born on February 14th, 1934, in DeKalb, Illinois to Oscar and Helene (Misner) Collin. A lifelong resident of his hometown, he graduated from DeKalb high School in 1952 and remained deeply connected to the community he loved throughout his life.

That same year, Don began his career as a brick mason under the apprenticeship of his uncle, Herb Collin. What started as a trade became a lifelong calling. He was a proud lifetime member of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers and was honored with his Gold Card in 2002 in recognition of 50 consecutive years of membership. He was also a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in DeKalb and a lifetime member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks #765.

Don found great joy in time spent outdoors, especially near the water. For many summers, he could be found at Bowen Lodge in Deer River, Minnesota, fishing Lake Winnie and the surrounding lakes he knew so well. He cherished winters spent in Fort Myers Beach, Florida trading snow for sunshine. Some of his fondest early memories were made swimming and fishing at his grandparents' and mother's cottages on Lake Delavan, Wisconsin, and he often returned to Lake Geneva for relaxing weekend getaways throughout the years.

An avid sports fan, Don was a loyal Chicago Bears season ticket holder beginning in 1963 and remained one to this day. He proudly attended the 1963 Championship game against the Giants and the 1985 Super Bowl in New Orleans. He was more than excited when the Chicago Cubs finally got the goat off their back and won the 2016 World Series.

More than anything, Don loved people-especially his family. His home was always open, his welcome always warm, and visitors could count on a drink in hand and a good story to share. He believed life's greatest blessings were simple but meaningful; a loving wife, a home filled with laughter, and a family to cherish. He was grateful to have found all three. Don was the George Bailey of DeKalb (It’s a Wonderful Life), the richest man in town. Loved by all.

Don is survived by his beloved wife, Jacalyn, and his children: Mickie (Kevin) Novorolsky of Traverse City, Michigan; Cindy (Scott) Reed of Sycamore, Illinois; Cathy (Michael) McCarty of Bettendorf, Iowa; Donald Collin of Davenport, Iowa; Diane (Jim) Dorland of DeKalb, Illinois; and James (Krissy) Collin of DeKalb Illinois. He is also survived by his stepchildren Lisa (Jim) Fox of Woodridge, Illinois and Justin Gullstrand of DeKalb, Illinois; also 18 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; his brother Richard Collin; and many cherished nieces and nephews. He will also be greatly missed by his beloved Black Lab Oskar.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Robert Collin; his infant daughter, Karen Anne Collin; and his son-in-law, Michael McCarty.

The Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at St Mary Church, 321 Pine Street, DeKalb, with Fr. Dean Russell celebrating. Burial will follow at St. Mary Cemetery in DeKalb.   

Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday, March 9, 2026, at Anderson Funeral Home in DeKalb. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Collin Family in care of Anderson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 605, 2011 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, IL 60115.

For information, visit www.AndersonFuneralHomeLtd.com or call 815-756-1022