Maurice,”Pete” Leo Collins, age 79, of Anthon, Iowa passed away on Wednesday April 2, 2014 at a local hospital.

Per his wishes, Pete was cremated and no services will be held at this time. Waterbury Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences for the family may be made at www.waterburyfuneralserviceinc.com .

Pete was born in Danbury, Iowa on July 3, 1934, the son of Lewis T. and Olive R “Mohrhauser” Collins. He attended Country schools, and graduated from Oto High School with the class of 1953. Pete honorably served his country as a member of the United States Army from 1953-1955. He was united in marriage with Vera Mae Benton on May 31, 1956 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Oto.

Upon his discharge, he attended Wayne State Teachers College in Wayne, graduating with a teaching degree in 1958. He taught at Dunlap for two years, then he taught in Mapleton for 5 years. He then began a career in Insurance, Real Estate, and Taxes, owning his own agency for many years. His eldest son Tony took over the agency in 1985. He then became a part-owner of Rodney Grain in Rodney for seven years, before retiring.

Pete was a doer, and a expert on getting things accomplished in Anthon. He was very active in getting the golf course, the community center and many other accomplishments for the town.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Vera of Anthon, his sons: Tony and his wife Julie of Anthon, Tim and his wife Dennise of Ohio, and Matt and his wife Jennifer of Orange City. His daughter Mona Kirchgatter and her husband Scott of Anthon. He is also survived by a brother Bill and his wife Delores of Kingsley, his sisters: Marcene Guenther of Sioux City, and Mary Ann Ashbey of Little Falls, Minnesota and his 12 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and three brothers.