Irene B. Collins

West Des Moines

On Saturday, April 9, Irene B. Collins, age 93, departed her earthly tent to live for eternity with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Irene was born in Des Moines on November 16, 1922, to Carl and Isabel (Lancial) Arrowood. Irene and her three brothers, Carl, Bill, and Bob, like so many others, grew up modestly through the Great Depression and WWII eras. Irene was employed at the Ankeny Munitions Plant in Ankeny. After the war, Irene married Carl Gustafson, became a homemaker, and started a family. Following Carl’s death in 1960, she enrolled in the Iowa School of Beauty and graduated as a beautician in 1962. She was employed for several years by the First Lady Salon in Windsor Heights and later opened a shop in her West Des Moines home.

She married Richard Collins in 1970. Irene and Dick were avid Chicago Cubs fans and also enjoyed golfing and bowling. In the mid-60’s, Irene earned the title of City Bowling Champion. She loved her role as a homemaker and enjoyed cooking, baking, canning, and cleaning house. She also was an accomplished seamstress and crocheter and spent much of her time making items for family and friends. Later in life, she enjoyed her Tuesday morning Bible study with close friends. Irene was truly the heart of the Gustafson family; a true matriarch and the bond that helped bind the family together. All five sons were active in their mother’s life; her love and support were total and unconditional. Countless meals and get-togethers at her home celebrating each of her five sons’ birthdays are fondly remembered as being a time of sharing, laughter, and storytelling. Never was a birthday card or letter of encouragement to family and friends forgotten.

Irene was an active and faithful member of First Federated Church for over 40 years. Most important in her life was her strong faith and devotion to our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus. She was a very caring and compassionate friend towards her fellow Christian brothers and sisters. From West Des Moines to Mexico to France, she strived to fulfill the duties assigned to her by the Lord with a smile and a cheerful heart. Rightfully so, a large share of these good deeds were known only to herself, the recipients, and the Lord himself. Just as Jesus has taught us: “When you give to someone, don’t tell your right hand what your left hand is doing.” Irene will be missed dearly, but the family is comforted knowing that she is in Heaven forever with the Lord.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her brothers; husbands; Carl M. Gustafson I and Richard J. Collins; a granddaughter and a great grandson. She is survived and lovingly remembered by her sons, Stephen (Valerie), Carl [Duffy] (Vicki), Martin, Michael, (Beverly Roseland), and Frank Gustafson; fifteen grandchildren; twenty eight great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

In agreement with her wishes, her body has been cremated. The family will greet friends at McLaren’s Chapel in West Des Moines from 10 to 11 a.m. on Thursday April 14, 2016. A Celebration of Her Life will be held at Resthaven Cemetery at 11 a.m., following the visitation. A light lunch will be served at McLaren’s following the graveside service. The family asks that memorial contributions be made to the family.

The family would like to thank Bishop Drumm for their excellent care of Irene during her last two years.