Marquette—Kenneth H. Collins, age 95 formerly of Marietta, Ohio and North Plainfield, NJ passed away on December 31st at the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette while under the care of UP Home, Health, and Hospice. He received excellent care while living in Woodland Assisted Living in Negaunee and at Mill Creek Assisted Living in Marquette and from four private care aides before moving into Jacobetti.

Kenneth was born April 4, 1919 in Brooklyn, NY to Cyril & Blenda (Ekberg) Collins and he was raised by Blenda's second husband Henry V. A. Parsell, Bishop of the American Orthodox Church. Henry was one of the students of Thomas Edison in East Orange, NJ which led to many inventions.

He received his bachelor's degree in chemistry from Long Island University and continued with extensive post-graduate study at Rutgers University. After graduating he enlisted in the Army in the spring of 1942 and served in the Pacific Theater until October 1945 receiving a Bronze Star for his commitment. His service included educating the troops in safe and appropriate chemical warfare.

Upon returning home, he was greeted by his college sweetheart, Dorothy Tucher. They were married on April 12, 1946 and enjoyed over 63 years together. Ken spent his career working as a research chemist for American Cyanamid for 37 years until he retired in 1983. While working in pharmaceutical research, Ken and his partner discovered Folic Acid and developed the process to produce it. Folic Acid (B 12) is used to prevent anemia during pregnancy as well as an important vitamin for all. Ken was granted several patents for his work with Folic Acid as well as many other useful drugs. Ken often commented that he was very fortunate because he looked forward to going to work every day! Ken was a lifetime member of the American Chemical Society.

Ken's passion did not stop with his work. He was active with the Boy Scouts of America where he dedicated much of his time as a Scout Leader. His involvement inspired his son Paul to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout as well as impacting the lives of countless other young scouts. He was at home in the outdoors enjoying camping and canoeing along with being an avid fisherman.

He also volunteered at the Marietta (Ohio) River Museum as an interpreter of the history of paddle boats on the Ohio River while giving tours on the J.P. Snyder. Ken enjoyed woodworking making thousands of paddle boats as well as numerous other wooden toys. Another interest led him to serve as treasurer of an investment club that dealt in stocks and bonds. After retirement Ken and Dorothy were able to travel throughout the US often attending elder hostels as well as traveling throughout Europe, Scandinavia, New Zealand, and Australia.

Above all else, Ken will be remembered as a true gentleman; a man who seldom had a cross word and sought to promote peace and understanding among those around him. He was a man of principal and ethics, living what he believed each day.

Ken is survived by a daughter: Rev Tina Robb and her husband Rev. Jim Robb of Ishpeming, 3 grandchildren: Josh, Zac, and Cody, along with 9 nieces and nephews and their families. Ken was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy, a son Paul, and a sister Dorothy Richard.

A memorial service celebrating Ken's life will be held on Saturday, January 10th at the First Presbyterian Church in Munising, Michigan. The family will greet friends at 10 a.m. and the service will follow at 11 A.M. The Reverend Steve Solberg, Co-Pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Negaunee, will officiate. A luncheon will follow in Westminster Hall provided by the Presbyterian Women's Association.

A private inurnment will take place at the Memorial Garden at First Presbyterian Church of Marquette at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Boy Scouts of America Hiawatha Camp (E6350 Doe Lake Rd. Munising, Mi 49862).

The funeral service recording, when it becomes available, can be found here .