Brenda K. Collins

Brenda Collins, 67, was born in Two Harbors, Minnesota, and later moved to “pretty little” Red Wing, Minnesota. She passed away unexpectedly in Amsterdam, Netherlands, while enjoying her beloved travels and experiencing the world as she had always dreamed.

Brenda loved the beach—her favorite place was Galveston, Texas, where she spent countless hours shelling with her late best friend, Jean. She adored raccoons; every video, picture, trinket, or raccoon she encountered lit her up like the brightest light, bringing smiles and giggles that were unforgettable. Brenda was also known for her signature eye roll and sigh whenever her kids or grandkids did something to annoy her. It always made her grandchildren laugh, and they loved pointing it out. Her playful response was always the same: “No, I did not roll my eyes,” even as she rolled them again.

Brenda was a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend to so many. She was loved more than she could ever know. Selfless to her core, Brenda gave everything she had to anyone in need, time and time again. Even until her final day, she put her own needs aside to keep a smile on her face for her dearly loved grandchildren.

Brenda and her late husband, Richard, lovingly stepped into the role of parents for their four grandchildren—Kailee, Jakob, Amiya, and Kash—raising them without hesitation. After Richard’s passing, Brenda carried the role of both mom and dad for many years, forging a bond that will never be replaced. She was also a proud great-grandmother to two beautiful boys, Javier and Izan, with another on the way. This was precious to her, and she made it her mission to be present and to love those boys like no other.

In the last few months of her life, Brenda was blessed with the opportunity to travel more than ever before. She experienced adventures across the country and the world, cherishing every moment. Whether in Minnesota, far across the U.S., or overseas, Brenda’s greatest joy was sharing those adventures with her grandchildren. She was a beautiful soul, a true inspiration, and will never be replaced.

Brenda is reunited with her beloved late husband, Richard Collins Sr., and is also preceded in death by parents; brothers, Jay Carlson and Jim Richardson, and her sister, Mona Butler.

Her legacy continues through her children, Joe Siefert and Stacey Berghammer; her grandchildren, Kailee Acosta, Jakob Berghammer (Mason Vogel), Amiya Lofton, and Kash Green; and her great-grandchildren, Javier and Izan Acosta. Brenda is also survived by her siblings Maureen (Patrick) Atherton, Donna (Bernie) Berktold, Wanda Hase, David Richardson, Daniel Richardson, Steve Richardson, Joann Hinrichs, and Carol Hoffman and many other loved family members and friends.

A visitation and celebration of Brenda’s life will take place from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Monday, December 22, 2025 at Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel, with a time of sharing at 1 p.m. followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery.