Dr. Richard Collins
Dr. Richard Dunn Collins, known as Dr. Rich, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2026.
He was born on March 3, 1946, in Dixon, Illinois to Helen and Dr. Clay Collins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Dr. James Collins (Jim); brother-in-law, Jerald Alexander; and sister-in-law, Sue Wright.
He is survived by his loving wife, Catherine; children, Greer Collins, Jaime Woods, Noelle Flesner, and Sacha Pruett (Shane); grandchildren, Alexis Woods, Maegen Winge, Michael Cassiday, Kameron Smithers, Raegan Smithers, Reece Pruett, Bayley Pruett; great-granddaughter, Falyn McArthur; sister-in-law, EllaBeth Collins; brother-in-law, Paul Alexander and many nieces and nephews.
Rich graduated from Dixon High School in 1964, and earned his degree in Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from Iowa State University in 1970. He completed the University of Illinois Executive Veterinary Swine Program in 2000, and has been a continuous AASV member since 1975. He contributed to the AASV Foundation as both a Leman and Heritage Fellow.
Rich was active in the ISVMA, served on the foundation board of Sauk Valley Community College, the board of Heritage Square Senior Living Community, the board of the Dixon Rural Fire Protection, and the Lee County Pork Producer Board. He was a past Elder at the First Presbyterian Church in Dixon. Dr. Collins was a partner with his brother Dr. James Collins in the Dixon Veterinary Hospital which was established by his father Dr. Clay Collins. He was passionate and honored to serve in this capacity with his father, brother and other many partners in the vet clinic. Rich practiced at Dixon Veterinary Hospital, PC for 35 years before starting Hog Wild Health, LLC, a swine consultation practice in Dixon, Illinois.
He retired in 2016 to the Northwoods in Three Lakes, Wisconsin.
Rich’s kindness, generosity, sense of humor and deep love for those around him touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His friends, family and clients, many of whom became lifelong friends, remember him as a man of great integrity, warmth and profoundly devoted to his profession. If Rich was your friend, you knew it because he was a true friend. He treated everyone with respect and dignity. Rich had a captivating smile that let you know he was happy to see you. He was an avid reader who enjoyed deep and meaningful conversations. Rich was a fan of the Iowa State Cyclones and the Green Bay Packers. Anecdotes from loved ones captures his love for life and the positive impact he had on those around him.
A private memorial service will be held. A Celebration of Rich’s Life will be held at the Timber Creek Event Center, in Dixon, Illinois on Saturday, September 5, 2026, from 4:00-6:00PM.
The family requests no flowers, instead a memorial donation to the Dementia Society at https://dementiasociety.org would be appreciated. Condolences may be expressed through Preston-Schilling Funeral Home at https://www.prestonschilling.com , Dixon, Illinois.
Arrangements by Gaffney-Busha Funeral Home, Eagle River. Online condolences may be expressed at gaffney-busha.com
