Maurice “Maury” B. Collins, age 96, of Decorah, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, May 10, 2026.

Memorial Services will be held at a later date.

Memorials in memory of Maury can be mailed to Kevin Collins at 14580 Fern Ave. Davenport, IA 52804.

Maurice B. Collins of Decorah, Iowa, lived a life of service, dedication, and love for his family. A proud Korean War veteran. He always made the people around him feel cared for — especially his grandchildren, who knew they could always count on him for donuts, and always the best goodies. Maury was the “Official” Photographer at any and all family functions and supplied his family with many lasting memories.

Maurice was born in Ossian, IA, on January 27, 1930. He graduated from Ossian DeSales High School and graduated from Loras College in 1951 with a degree in economics and business before being called to serve in the United States Army during the Korean War. After completing basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, he was deployed overseas with the 2nd Rocket Field Artillery Battery.

During his time in Korea, Maurice faced the harsh realities of war, including intense combat, bitter weather conditions, and long stretches far from home. He served during the Battle of White Horse Mountain, where his unit played an important role in securing victory and later received the Distinguished Unit Citation from President Harry S. Truman. Though the war challenged him in many ways, Maurice carried himself with courage, resilience, and compassion throughout his service.

Maurice was honorably discharged from the Army on June 10, 1953, and continued serving in the Army Reserves for eight years afterward.

On May 21, 1955, he married Elaine Wurzer, and together they built a loving home and raised three children. On May 21, they would have celebrated 71 years of marriage. Maurice spent 37 years working as an accountant and office manager for Thermogas Company in Decorah. After retiring, he spent over 10 years working part-time in the office at Mracek plumbing and heating, gladly going in whenever they needed him.

He remained deeply involved in supporting fellow veterans through VFW Post 1977, serving as Post Commander in 1996 and 1997, acting as bookkeeper for several years, and participating in military funeral honors by playing the bugle for veterans being laid to rest. He was a lifetime member of St. Benedict Catholic Church.

Maurice will be remembered for his strength, humility, loyalty to his family, and the steady presence he brought to those around him. His life reflected hard work, sacrifice, and compassion, and the impact he made will continue to live on through the many people who loved him.

Maurice is survived by his wife, Elaine of Decorah, son Kevin (Nancy) Collins of Davenport, Daughter Maureen ( Jack) Friedman of Dyersville, daughter Jean Ann (Mark) Flanscha of Cedar Falls, Grandchildren: Joseph Friedman, Jonathan Friedman (Friend Nicole), Jared Friedman, Michael (Gabrielle) Flanscha, Brother-in-laws Adrian Wurzer, Ken Wurzer, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Irene Collins, brothers Tom and Bob Collins, and his sister Isabelle Nasby. In-laws Edward and Elizabeth Wurzer. And numerous brothers and sisters-in-law.