Elma Collins
April 19, 1907 ~ October 11, 2011
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Elma L. Collins, 104, of Gettysburg, passed away Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at the Oahe Manor, Gettysburg.
Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, October 17, 2011 at the United Methodist Church, Gettysburg with Pastor Jeff Adel officiating. Burial followed in the Gettysburg Cemetery. Visitation was held from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m., Sunday, October 16, 2011 at Luce Funeral Home, Gettysburg with a 4:00 p.m. prayer service.
Elma Serum, daughter of Albert and Mary (Forthun) Serum was born in Modena, Wisconsin on April 19, 1907. She received her high school education in Mondovi, WI, and then attended the University of Minnesota where she received her Bachelor of Science Degree, majoring in English and Latin. Prior to her marriage, she was the high school principal at Elgin, MN.
On August 20, 1939 Elma married Dr. E.H. Collins of Gettysburg in Mondovi, WI. They had a daughter, Mary Lynn and a son, William Henry who died in infancy.
Elma worked as a receptionist in her husband’s office during the last 40 years of his practice. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, the High Plains Art Council, the Republican Women, the Gettysburg Hospital Auxiliary serving as its president the year of its dedication. She was also a charter member and president of the Gettysburg Branch of the A.A.U.W. Elma was a member of the 4th District Medical Auxiliary and served as State President in 1960.
Elma is survived by her daughter, Mary Lynn Collins and special friend Paul Oberlitner both of Gettysburg and numerous cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; one infant son, William Henry; one brother, Melvyn Serum; and one sister, Agnes Serum Marten.
Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Elma’s arrangements.
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Elma was a wonderful warm loving lady who also greatly assisted Dr. Collins with his medical practice too…for many years. The Collin’s raised daughter,Mary Lynn,and did a great job doing that too. She will be missed by the Gettysburg-Potter County community.
I have a lot of fond memories of Dr. Collins and Elma. One would not think spending time at a Drs. Clinic as memorable but I am here to tell you it was for our family. Elma could always make conversation and make you feel more than just a client. She touched lives just as much as Dr. Collins saved them. Prayers to their daughter.
Mary Lynn, I am so sorry to hear about your mom. Sounds like she had a very long life and hopefully it was a great one. Mom said you were a very kind, dedicated daughter. We miss our loved ones, but you will never regret the time you got to spend with both your mom and your dad.
Your kindness toward my mom is very much appreciated. She thinks so much of you. It just goes to show that you are a caring and loving person. I will pray for you in the coming days. Take care. Kathy
My sympathy to Mary Lynn & the rest of Elma’s family.
To the family,
I was very sorry to hear about your loss. I know you will miss her dearly, and I’m sure you will cherish her memory.
It is times like these that we need much in the way of support and comfort. God’s Word the Bible gives us that needed strength with scriptures such as John 11:25 and John 5:28,29 which speaks of a resurrection hope that we all look forward to, and Revelation 21:4 which assures us that tears, pain, sorrow and death will all soon be things of the past.
My thoughts and prayers will be with you in this most difficult time.
Mary Lynn,
Upon hearing of your mother’s passing, I was flooded with memories…I have so many fond memories of both of your parents during the time when we were “the dancing stars.” I remember your mom as a very sweet and lovely woman. I was always so glad to see all of you in later years and it was quite sad the last time I saw her and found she had lost memory of who I was.
What a fantastically long life she lived. I viewed the video and really enjoyed seeing the photos of all of you and of her in her younger years. Blessings to you for being there for her. Please accept my sympathy for your loss.
Mary Lynn – Sincere sympathy from Dorothy Jost’s family. You and your mom were always so good to our mom and our family. I am going to write you a note but wanted to sign the guest book in honor of your mom. In Christ’s Love Dorothy Jost’s Family, Leland, Leila, Jim and Mary Lou