Darold "Jake" E. Collien

Darold “Jake” E. Collien, 91, of Oakfield, died on Sunday, July 14, 2024, at St. Agnes Hospital. He was born on September 28, 1932 in Oakfield, the son of Edwin A. and Loretta H. Criter Collien. He was a graduate of Oakfield High School, Class of 1950, and attended a U.W.-Oshkosh for a year. On September 15, 1951, he married Naomi V. Heimerl, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Byron. Darold was employed at the Oakfield Telephone Company, Oakfield Post Office, and Oakfield and Eden canning factories. He retired as warehouse manager, in July of 1996 from Friday Canning Corp., Oakfield. Darold was a past member of the Oakfield School Board, Oakfield Fire Department, Oakfield Village Board, and Oakfield Parks Department as Chairman. He worked many hours at the Village Park to keep the grounds and baseball diamonds in top shape. He started playing Oakfield Rock River baseball at the age of 14 and later managed the team. In 1975, he was named Rock River Manager of the Year and is in the Rock River Hall of Fame. He bowled for many years in the area and received several awards for high games and series. He enjoyed going dancing with Naomi to “The Downtowners” music and to other area polka dances. He also liked to go to Ralph and Mama's for their fabulous Mexican food. You could see Darold at the park many evenings and weekends watching his grandchildren and now great-grandchildren playing baseball and softball, and attending the Rock River baseball games. He also attended school basketball and football games. He enjoyed an occasional trip to the casino and more recently to the gas station to talk to Mr. T and Harry. He is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Naomi Collien, his nine children: Gary (Rose) Collien, Greg (Kel) Collien, Ron (Karen) Collien, Cheri (Mike) Fisher, Randy (Beth) Collien, Cathy (Mike) Baker, Joe (Lisa) Collien, Karen (Mike) Merk, and Denise (Randy) Andrus; his son-in-law Mark Huck, 23 grandchildren: Ryan (Chris) Collien, Jason Collien, Jake Collien, Chad (Tiffany) Fisher, Brad (Maggie) Collien, Jessica (Ruben) Rodriguez, Andy (special friend Sarah) Collien, Amy (Josh) Wiesner, Kyle (Shawn) Fisher, Jen (Ryan) Leavitt, Kevin (Amanda) Baker, Josh (Courtney) Collien, Nate (special friend Caitlin) Merk, Brandon (Ashley) Andrus, Amanda (Jordan) Weed, Katelyn (Banks) Estridge, Michael (Brittany) Merk, Brett Collien, Dustin (Aly) Andrus, Samantha (Dylan) Stanley, Emily (Derek) Severson, Tyler (Molly) Collien, and Brian Baker; 37 great grandchildren, his brother Dick (Pat) Collien, many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Diane M. Huck, infant sister Gelaine, father and mother-in-law Joseph and Viola Heimerl, and sister-in-law Gloria (Erwin) Denzin. VISITATION: The family will greet friends and relatives from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM on Friday, July 19, 2024, at Sons of Zebedee Catholic Church, 101 N. Main St., Oakfield. SERVICE: Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM on Friday, July 19, 2024, at Sons of Zebedee Catholic Church. Burial will take place at Avoca Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to Oakfield Fire Department or Oakfield Village Park.

Darold "Jake" E. Collien

September 28, 1932 - July 14, 2024