Dr. Stephen A. Kollins

Steve was born to Bert and Dorothy Kollins on August 31, 1943, in Brooklyn, New York. Steve was an avid lifelong learner who was passionate about medicine, history, Judaica, and philately. Steve had a full and successful career as a radiologist and real estate developer while enjoying many years of travel with his beloved wife, Elayne, friends, and family.

Steve is survived by his wife, Elayne, five children, Mike Kollins (Allison Augustyn), Lisa Kollins (Richard Seligson), Judy Wright (Walter), Lorie Zylstra (Brock) and Andrea Omohundro (Jack). He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Lila and Iris Wright, Amelia Augustyn-Kollins, Corryn and Kendall Zylstra, Rachel and Evan Kern, and Ruby Omohundro, and by his sister Hillary Stoltz (Bob) and nephew Joe Stoltz (Carol Earnest).

Steve’s fondest childhood memories of growing up in Minnesota were of fishing, boating and camping, spending time with his cousins, aunts and uncles, and enjoying his mother Dorothy’s fabulous cooking and baking. He graduated from St. Louis Park High School and attended the University of Minnesota as an Evans Scholar (an academic scholarship awarded to golf caddies), majoring both in microbiology and humanities. He earned a masters of science degree at Rutgers University with graduate work devoted to environmental sciences and public health. His work in the Brookhaven National Laboratories crystallized his desire to become a physician and he attended medical school at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, serving his medical internship and training in diagnostic radiology at the Mayo Clinic and Graduate School of Medicine in Rochester, Minnesota. He was especially excited to spend time training at Sheba Medical Center at Tel HaShomer, in Israel.

Steve fulfilled his military obligation working for two years in the U.S. Public Health Service, serving as a primary care physician for members of the U.S. Coast Guard and their families. His proudest moment from his service occurred on a tour of duty on the USS Dallas when, as the ship’s physician, he was part of a rescue of two injured crew members following an engine room explosion on another vessel.

After the Public Health Service, Steve finished his training in radiology at the Mayo Clinic and served on the clinical teaching staff of the Cleveland Clinic. Having had enough of midwest winters, Steve and his first wife, Eileen, relocated their family to Las Vegas, Nevada, where he practiced with Desert Radiology for twenty two years. One of his professional joys was serving as a member of the faculty of the University of Nevada School of Medicine.

Steve brought his leadership skills to several community organizations. He and his family have been active members of Congregation Ner Tamid for over 40 years, where Steve was a board member and served a term as president. He also pursued interests in real estate development, taking advantage of the opportunities that Las Vegas’ enormous growth provided over several decades. His philanthropic interests were wide and varied, and he generously supported many causes close to his heart. He received many honors and commendations throughout his professional career and philanthropy efforts.

For the past 28 years, Steve and his beloved wife, Elayne, have shared years of countless adventures. He lovingly welcomed Elayne’s children, mother, relatives, and close friends into his family. The coming decades also brought grandchildren from Arizona, New York, Ohio, and Washington to visit and enjoy. In their retirement, Steve and Elayne loved boating on their own boats as well as on “The World”. His favorite was always the Pacific Northwest (where they maintained a home and a boat for 18 years), British Columbia, and Alaska. Their travels took them around the globe several times. Without a doubt, Steve passed along his love of exploration, learning, and embarking on big adventures to his children and grandchildren.

The funeral service will be held on Friday, November 3, 2023 at 10 am., followed by a committal service. The service will be at King David Memorial Chapel & Cemetery. 2697 E. Eldorado Lane Las Vegas, NV 89120. A gathering for family and friends will be held immediately afterwards at the Kollins home. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The Stephen A. Kollins Classroom Refurbishment Fund at Congregation Ner Tamid, Las Vegas, Nevada or The Superhero Project, Superheroprojectkids.org.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kingdavidlv.com for the Kollins family.