Gatlin R. Collins

Gatlin Robert Collins, age 13 of rural DeSoto, died Saturday, January 31, 2009. Gatlin Robert Collins, age 13 of rural DeSoto, died Saturday, January 31, 2009 as the result of an automobile accident. Gatlin was born in Kenosha, WI on March 4, 1995 to Robert Collins and Marge Brutscher. He was an eighth grade student at De Soto Middle School and the only tuba player in the school band. He loved football and was a member of the football team. He enjoyed fishing with his dad, helping his mom and making his little sister laugh. He was a member of De Soto Lutheran Church in the confirmation program. His favorite song was "Jesus Freak," and his faith was very important to him. Friends describe Gatlin as mature, trustworthy and wise beyond his years. He was "cool" in the best sense of the wordfun loving, generous, and kind. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed. Gatlin is survived by his parents Marge Brutscher of De Soto, WI and Robert (Sara) Collins of Rock Falls, IL; sisters Johanna of De Soto, Arielle of Richmond, IL, and Remington of Rock Falls, IL; grandparents Eileen Collins of Tampico, IL and Peter & June Brutscher of Little Falls, MN; six aunts, three uncles, many cousins and friends. He is preceded in death by his Grandpa "Rock" Collins. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, February 4 at 1:30pm at the De Soto Lutheran Church in De Soto with Pastor Libby Howe officiating. Friends may call on the family one hour before the service. Burial will take place in Freedhem, MN. In lieu of flowers or plants, the family requests memorials to the family that will be used to set up a scholarship in his honor. The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of DeSoto and the Shelley Funeral Chapel of Little Falls, Minnesota are serving the family.