Michael Thomas Collins

Michael Thomas Collins, 62, of Austin, TX passed away suddenly in Breckenridge, CO on June 21, 2023. Michael was born in South Bend, IN on July 19, 1960, to Thomas G. and Helen Ann (Goepfrich) Collins.

Mike was a brilliant student. He began his education at Holy Cross School in South Bend, IN and continued at Beiger School when his family moved to Mishawaka, IN in 1970. He graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1978. Mike majored in Computer Science at Purdue University and graduated in 1982 with High Honors. He was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, America's most prestigious honor society.

Blessed with a disciplined, analytical mind, Mike could always be depended on to give a detailed, well thought-out and clearly presented opinion to family or friends seeking his advice on serious matters.

Mike was pragmatic, stable, kind, and mindful. He enjoyed reading, especially history, and keeping up with current events in the political and financial worlds. An avid sports fan, Mike followed major league baseball and Notre Dame football, as well as Purdue football and basketball. He loved music of all genres. He enjoyed attending concerts and music festivals like Austin City Limits to appreciate live music and had fantastic taste - there was always lovely music playing in his home.

Mike worked at IBM for 41 years, serving as Senior Software Engineer for various product lines and most recently as Senior Consultant for Hybrid Cloud Services. He was well respected in his field for his technical knowledge and ability to work effectively with the highest level consulting clients of IBM.

On January 1, 2008, in Honolulu, HI, he married the former Tracy Ann Broll. They cooperatively continued to raise their blended family while also finding the time to travel extensively as the children grew into young adults. They visited New Zealand, Alaska, Spain, Germany, The Netherlands, and most large cities in the United States. They also greatly enjoyed their time in their home away from home in Breckenridge, Colorado.

Mike was a thoughtful, kind, and dedicated husband and father. His surviving family treasured him beyond words. His marriage with Tracy was rich with affection, inside jokes, clever humor, and passionate co-parenting. They enjoyed a beautiful marriage - one which was overwhelmingly peaceful, compatible, and joyful. Mike embodied his vows to the fullest in his devotion to Tracy in sickness and in health and as a caretaker through her illness.

He had an affinity for Golden Retrievers and an especially close relationship with his late dog and companion, Leo. As fervid walkers and fans of the outdoors, Mike and Tracy spent many of their summers in Breckenridge, CO. They had planned to spend their retirement in Colorado and to continue their world travels and adventures. His sudden departure has left an unmistakable shock and heartbreak among those who knew and treasured him.

Tracy preceded Mike in death on April 9, 2023. He was also preceded in death by his mother, Helen A. Collins; son, Brian Michael Collins; and brother, Terrence Michael Collins. He is survived by his son, Steven Thomas Collins of Austin, TX; sisters, Constance Ann (Matthew) Lentsch of Mishawaka and Mary Helen Wood of Bremen; brothers, Patrick Kevin (Wendy Pavich) Collins of Mishawaka and Kevin Thomas (Amy) Collins of Roseville, CA; his father, Thomas G. Collins of Bonita Springs, Fl and Mishawaka, IN; stepdaughter, Amanda Wolf of Denver, CO; stepsons, Paul Wolf and Thomas Wolf of Austin, TX; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, July 9, 2023, from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th Street, Mishawaka. Funeral Service will be at 11:00 am on Monday, July 10, 2023, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 220 W. 4th Street, Mishawaka with Father Chris Lapp officiating. Michael will be laid to rest in Fairview Cemetery in Mishawaka.

To leave an online condolence or to share a memory, please visit www.hahnfuneralhomes.com or Hahn Funeral Home Facebook page.