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Robert Von Collins

Robert Von Collins

COLLINS

Robert Von Collins, 55, of Springfield, IL; born on August 1, 1965 in Carbondale, IL; passed away on Saturday, September 5, 2020 at home.

Robert was a teacher in Springfield and was fluent in many languages.  Not only did he teach in the states, but he was an educator internationally.  He travelled to China and other countries teaching students language and arts.  He was a professional basketball player for several years and an official for IHSA sports.

He was preceded in death by his father – Claude Collins.

He is survived by his loving mother – Alice Berniece (Bardo) Collins of Springfield, IL. Daughter – Arlinda Collins of Springfield, IL.  Sister – Marie (Willie) Hervery of Springfield, IL.  Brother – Michael Collins of DuQuoin, IL.

Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.heilschuessler.com.

Friends may call at Heil-Schuessler & Sinn Funeral Home in Sparta, IL on Saturday, September 19, 2020 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Memorial Services will be held at Heil-Schuessler & Sinn Funeral Home in Sparta, IL on Saturday, September 19, 2020 at 1:00 p.m.

Heil-Schuessler & Sinn Funeral Home in Sparta, IL is in charge of arrangements

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  1. Jim and Marcia Rees says:

    I was teaching at Tilden Attendance Center when I first saw Rob play basketball as a Jr. Hi player. Later we met at church functions at Sparta Church of the Nazarene and then at Tilden Family Camp. He was a Christian gentleman with wit and charm and so gifted in many ways.When he went to Kansas City to study, I gave him some devotional books that I felt he would benefit having. Condolences to the family that will miss him greatly. I feel blessed to have met him. Marcia and I held him in high esteem. To leave us so early is our loss but heaven’s gain. He made life better for all that he met.

  2. Sam Cahnman says:

    Very sad and shocked to hear the very unfortunate news. Robert & Arlinda had the strongest father-daughter bond I have ever seen. Robert was my neighbor, friend, constituent and co-religionist at Temple Israel. I also was his informal legal advisor. He was one the friendliest & warmest people. I always felt good when I was around Robert.

    Saturday is the Jewish New Year. If this was a normal non-COVID year, and Robert was still with us, I would be seeing Robert & Arlinda at Temple Israel Saturday. I will try to make it to Sparta Saturday to pay my personal condolences to Arlinda and the rest of Robert’s family.

  3. Irena Sorrells says:

    Still cannot believe that this is the truth. Last two weeks we were messaging zillion times per day – all about the start of remote learning and our kids that needed your help. Then – a quiet weekend and…the shocking news.
    I was so lucky to work with you at Springfield High. Your phenomenal memory and intelligence always admired me. You could work with so many English Learners – I lost the count of the languages that you were fluent at.
    Condolences to your daughter, Arlinda, and the family. You will be missed. You will be remembered.

  4. Scott Brant says:

    This was a real shocker ,I still can’t believe it. Rob and I grew up together playing baseball and basketball all through grade and high school .He even gave the blessing at my wedding .Rob was one of a kind , always had a great attitude to everything in life .Rob will truly be missed . R.i.P

  5. Stacey Caldwell Gibson says:

    My deepest condolences for Arlinda, Bernice, Marie and Michael. I have lots of fond memories of Robbie. We weren’t just family, we were friends and classmates. Robbie was intelligent, athletic and an all around great guy! He will be missed, but never forgotten! R.I.H. Cuz!❤️

  6. Gina says:

    Arlinda, this is gina from Temple…Im at a loss for words..I cant believe your dad is no longer here…I hope you will still visit us at Temple when you can..We are praying for you and your family.

  7. Runges says:

    Rob was a wonderful young man! We are glad to be able to call him friend. Our condolences to his family.

  8. Arlinda, I am a member of Temple Israel and my kids are away at school. If you need a place to stay or hang out, my house and free time are open to you! Please let me know if I can help you.

  9. Rita Salemme says:

    There are no words I’m able to express at such a loss. Robert was an amazing person at everything, this community has lost a tremendous attribute. The void Robert has left certainly is felt the most by his family, however, it is also felt by everyone whom he has known!
    May the G-d if peace be with you at this time.

  10. Douglas and Yvonne Rose Turner says:

    Arlinda, we are shocked and we are so sorry that you lost your Dad. He is a wonderful man and a great Dad who loves you so much! We are praying for G-d to help you and be with you, and with your Grandma and all your Dad’s family. You can come to the Temple whenever you want to. We always love seeing you. We will miss your Dad a lot! He was fun to be around and was always making us smile!

  11. Connie Perry says:

    Our sincere condolences to Arlinda, Aunt Bernice, Marie, and Michael on the passing of our dear cousin Robbie. I have so many fond memories from childhood with him from my time I spent in Sparta when we visited and our visits at the reunions. Robbie is a big part of our family and he will be truly missed. We know he is with our Heavenly Father rejoicing. I find comfort in knowing that and that Robbie knew Jesus and loved sharing the WORD with others. We will continue to pray for peace and comfort for the entire Family especially his princess Arlinda. May our God keep you all.

    Love, Cousin Connie & Eddie Perry and family

  12. Linda Boston says:

    To the family of Robbie Collins. He was the most kind, caring, loving friend a person could ever have. Always smiling when he saw you. Robbie will be missed by all who knew and loved him. God bless your family. Continued prayers and sending lots of love for you all.
    Sincerely, Linda Boston
    Quincy, IL

  13. Tarik (Davis) Benson says:

    Rob this is ur little cousin Tarik.. it hurts knowing your no longer here… I keep going to your Facebook and seeing we still friends I be wanting to say HEY CUZZO but I can’t…. Miss u always cuzzo.. Say hi to Uncle Claude(ur dad) Ain’t Margaret my grandmama and the rest of our Penny/Collins family up there….. 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 next year family reunion won’t be the same

  14. Matt Koger says:

    My condolences go out to Robert’s family. I enjoyed talking to Robert weekly about a wide array of topics. He was incredibly intelligent and just a very down-to-earth type of person. He was a tremendous interpreter at SHS for many students and was always willing to help teachers. He will be missed!

  15. Dina Doolen says:

    I grew up with Rob in Sparta. He was a year ahead of me in school. I probably spent the most time with him playing basketball on the courts at the old Sparta-Lincoln playground near my house.
    He was kind, brilliant, a natural leader and a great athlete.
    I offer my deepest condolenses to his family and loved ones. His loss leave a tremendous void.

  16. Perry Brooks says:

    Prayers for you all, Rob and I go way back, since we were little kids playing in the neighborhood, he was my good Friend, Classmate and Teammate, we had many good laughs throughout the years,he was a Gentleman, a Class act,going to miss my Buddy, R.I.P. Rob,Gone,but Never Forgotten!😥

  17. Lisa Hall says:

    Stunned and deeply saddened to learn that Rob Von Collins has passed away. We met in high school and he was wise beyond his years with a deep and abiding love for the Lord. We attended church together and he helped with my chemistry homework. Many years have passed but I will always remember how patient, generous and kind he was.

    May the good Lord comfort and strengthen his family through the days and years ahead. For even though we are mourning his absence on earth, “We are confident, I say and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord” 2 Corinthians 5:8. He was a good man. No wonder the Lord was ready to greet him face to face.

  18. Floria McWherter Densmore says:

    I first met Rob in the second grade. From that day to now he always had a quiet confidence I admired. My sincere condolences to the Collins family. To my classmate (1983) rest easy in God’s arms. If a 1000 years on heaven is but one day here on earth then soon he’ll see loved one’s again. God grant peace to the entire family. God Bless!

  19. Rabbi Barry Marks says:

    Very sad to learn of Robert’s passing. He was very warm and genial and very knowledgeable and intelligent. He had such a wide range of talents. We are devastated to think of Arlinda at such a young age growing up without her Dad. They had such a strong and loving bond. Our hearts go out to her and to all the family.

  20. Kris (Reid) Ball says:

    I am absolutely devastated. We grew up together and studied together. He was the perfect friend, teammate, and the
    best person anyone could know. I’m sorry we lost touch but we did reconnect on FB. Prayers for his family, especially his beautiful daughter which I know he loved and treasured.

  21. Tsuili Bowman says:

    We worked together more than five years. Everyday we set students’ chairs to eat our lunch to discuss everything including countries, families, students, books, even politicians and religious. You were very happy to talk everyday. I enjoyed everything you said.
    When we needed your help you always put down your work to help us.
    You were a very nice gentleman. You will be very missed.

  22. Felicia says:

    I grew up with Rob. We both went to Sparta High School in Southern Illinois. He was one of the kindest people I have ever met. He will be terribly missed.

  23. Diane Hess says:

    Robert was an important part to our ESL team at Springfield High School. He worked hard for our students and families. Our thoughts and prayers are with his daughter,Arlinda, and the rest of his family. Robert will be missed.

  24. mary davis says:

    I enjoyed working with Mr. Collins at Springfield High School. He will be greatly missed by students and faculty. My prayers and thought are with his family.

  25. Dawn Jacobs says:

    Rob was such a vibrant presence, wherever he went. It was always interesting to talk with him, and you would come away educated and informed, without even trying. So abrupt a loss. Condolences to the family and those fortunate enough to call him friend.

25 Comments

  1. Rob was such a vibrant presence, wherever he went. It was always interesting to talk with him, and you would come away educated and informed, without even trying. So abrupt a loss. Condolences to the family and those fortunate enough to call him friend.

    Reply
  2. I enjoyed working with Mr. Collins at Springfield High School. He will be greatly missed by students and faculty. My prayers and thought are with his family.

    Reply
  3. Robert was an important part to our ESL team at Springfield High School. He worked hard for our students and families. Our thoughts and prayers are with his daughter,Arlinda, and the rest of his family. Robert will be missed.

    Reply
  4. I grew up with Rob. We both went to Sparta High School in Southern Illinois. He was one of the kindest people I have ever met. He will be terribly missed.

    Reply
  5. We worked together more than five years. Everyday we set students’ chairs to eat our lunch to discuss everything including countries, families, students, books, even politicians and religious. You were very happy to talk everyday. I enjoyed everything you said.
    When we needed your help you always put down your work to help us.
    You were a very nice gentleman. You will be very missed.

    Reply
  6. I am absolutely devastated. We grew up together and studied together. He was the perfect friend, teammate, and the
    best person anyone could know. I’m sorry we lost touch but we did reconnect on FB. Prayers for his family, especially his beautiful daughter which I know he loved and treasured.

    Reply
  7. Very sad to learn of Robert’s passing. He was very warm and genial and very knowledgeable and intelligent. He had such a wide range of talents. We are devastated to think of Arlinda at such a young age growing up without her Dad. They had such a strong and loving bond. Our hearts go out to her and to all the family.

    Reply
  8. I first met Rob in the second grade. From that day to now he always had a quiet confidence I admired. My sincere condolences to the Collins family. To my classmate (1983) rest easy in God’s arms. If a 1000 years on heaven is but one day here on earth then soon he’ll see loved one’s again. God grant peace to the entire family. God Bless!

    Reply
  9. Stunned and deeply saddened to learn that Rob Von Collins has passed away. We met in high school and he was wise beyond his years with a deep and abiding love for the Lord. We attended church together and he helped with my chemistry homework. Many years have passed but I will always remember how patient, generous and kind he was.

    May the good Lord comfort and strengthen his family through the days and years ahead. For even though we are mourning his absence on earth, “We are confident, I say and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord” 2 Corinthians 5:8. He was a good man. No wonder the Lord was ready to greet him face to face.

    Reply
  10. Prayers for you all, Rob and I go way back, since we were little kids playing in the neighborhood, he was my good Friend, Classmate and Teammate, we had many good laughs throughout the years,he was a Gentleman, a Class act,going to miss my Buddy, R.I.P. Rob,Gone,but Never Forgotten!😥

    Reply
  11. I grew up with Rob in Sparta. He was a year ahead of me in school. I probably spent the most time with him playing basketball on the courts at the old Sparta-Lincoln playground near my house.
    He was kind, brilliant, a natural leader and a great athlete.
    I offer my deepest condolenses to his family and loved ones. His loss leave a tremendous void.

    Reply
  12. My condolences go out to Robert’s family. I enjoyed talking to Robert weekly about a wide array of topics. He was incredibly intelligent and just a very down-to-earth type of person. He was a tremendous interpreter at SHS for many students and was always willing to help teachers. He will be missed!

    Reply
  13. Rob this is ur little cousin Tarik.. it hurts knowing your no longer here… I keep going to your Facebook and seeing we still friends I be wanting to say HEY CUZZO but I can’t…. Miss u always cuzzo.. Say hi to Uncle Claude(ur dad) Ain’t Margaret my grandmama and the rest of our Penny/Collins family up there….. 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 next year family reunion won’t be the same

    Reply
  14. To the family of Robbie Collins. He was the most kind, caring, loving friend a person could ever have. Always smiling when he saw you. Robbie will be missed by all who knew and loved him. God bless your family. Continued prayers and sending lots of love for you all.
    Sincerely, Linda Boston
    Quincy, IL

    Reply
  15. Our sincere condolences to Arlinda, Aunt Bernice, Marie, and Michael on the passing of our dear cousin Robbie. I have so many fond memories from childhood with him from my time I spent in Sparta when we visited and our visits at the reunions. Robbie is a big part of our family and he will be truly missed. We know he is with our Heavenly Father rejoicing. I find comfort in knowing that and that Robbie knew Jesus and loved sharing the WORD with others. We will continue to pray for peace and comfort for the entire Family especially his princess Arlinda. May our God keep you all.

    Love, Cousin Connie & Eddie Perry and family

    Reply
  16. Arlinda, we are shocked and we are so sorry that you lost your Dad. He is a wonderful man and a great Dad who loves you so much! We are praying for G-d to help you and be with you, and with your Grandma and all your Dad’s family. You can come to the Temple whenever you want to. We always love seeing you. We will miss your Dad a lot! He was fun to be around and was always making us smile!

    Reply
  17. There are no words I’m able to express at such a loss. Robert was an amazing person at everything, this community has lost a tremendous attribute. The void Robert has left certainly is felt the most by his family, however, it is also felt by everyone whom he has known!
    May the G-d if peace be with you at this time.

    Reply
  18. Arlinda, I am a member of Temple Israel and my kids are away at school. If you need a place to stay or hang out, my house and free time are open to you! Please let me know if I can help you.

    Reply
  19. Rob was a wonderful young man! We are glad to be able to call him friend. Our condolences to his family.

    Reply
  20. Arlinda, this is gina from Temple…Im at a loss for words..I cant believe your dad is no longer here…I hope you will still visit us at Temple when you can..We are praying for you and your family.

    Reply
  21. My deepest condolences for Arlinda, Bernice, Marie and Michael. I have lots of fond memories of Robbie. We weren’t just family, we were friends and classmates. Robbie was intelligent, athletic and an all around great guy! He will be missed, but never forgotten! R.I.H. Cuz!❤️

    Reply
  22. This was a real shocker ,I still can’t believe it. Rob and I grew up together playing baseball and basketball all through grade and high school .He even gave the blessing at my wedding .Rob was one of a kind , always had a great attitude to everything in life .Rob will truly be missed . R.i.P

    Reply
  23. Still cannot believe that this is the truth. Last two weeks we were messaging zillion times per day – all about the start of remote learning and our kids that needed your help. Then – a quiet weekend and…the shocking news.
    I was so lucky to work with you at Springfield High. Your phenomenal memory and intelligence always admired me. You could work with so many English Learners – I lost the count of the languages that you were fluent at.
    Condolences to your daughter, Arlinda, and the family. You will be missed. You will be remembered.

    Reply
  24. Very sad and shocked to hear the very unfortunate news. Robert & Arlinda had the strongest father-daughter bond I have ever seen. Robert was my neighbor, friend, constituent and co-religionist at Temple Israel. I also was his informal legal advisor. He was one the friendliest & warmest people. I always felt good when I was around Robert.

    Saturday is the Jewish New Year. If this was a normal non-COVID year, and Robert was still with us, I would be seeing Robert & Arlinda at Temple Israel Saturday. I will try to make it to Sparta Saturday to pay my personal condolences to Arlinda and the rest of Robert’s family.

    Reply
  25. I was teaching at Tilden Attendance Center when I first saw Rob play basketball as a Jr. Hi player. Later we met at church functions at Sparta Church of the Nazarene and then at Tilden Family Camp. He was a Christian gentleman with wit and charm and so gifted in many ways.When he went to Kansas City to study, I gave him some devotional books that I felt he would benefit having. Condolences to the family that will miss him greatly. I feel blessed to have met him. Marcia and I held him in high esteem. To leave us so early is our loss but heaven’s gain. He made life better for all that he met.

    Reply

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