Obituary of Warren George Collisi

COLLISI, Warren G. of Saginaw, Michigan, Went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus on Monday, June 30, 2014 at his home with his beloved wife by his side. He was 75 years old. Warren George Collisi was born on February 10, 1939 in Saginaw, Michigan, to the late Maurice J. and Katherine W. (Mandeville) Collisi. He married the love of his life, Nancy Grace King on July 1, 1960; she survives him. Warren was a graduate of Saginaw High School and had a passion for learning. He attended various local colleges and universities studying both the skilled trades and firefighting. Warren was employed by General Motors Transmission, Lufkin Rule, and from 1966 to 1994 he worked for General Motors Grey Iron and Nodular Iron; retiring in 1994 after 31 years of service. As a young man, Warren was actively involved in the Boy Scouts of America, Valley Trails Council, where he served as a camp counselor, scouting institutional representative, scout leader, explorer advisor and trainer. It was here he met his future bride, Nancy, who was also actively involved with the Boys Scouts of America, were they met. Warren was also actively involved with the Girl Scouts of America, Mitten Bay Counsel, where he served in leadership, training and sat on the Board of Advisors. Warren and Nancy were longtime volunteers with the Saginaw Chapter of the American Red Cross, where they educated the community as a first aid and CPR instructor, teaching classes, giving lectures, also avidly volunteering with the Aid Mobile. Warren served as a Trustee Chair for both Messiah Lutheran and Bethlehem Lutheran Church and was actively involved with Valley Lutheran High School. He was also involved with Bridgeport United Methodist Church and Miracle Center Christian Fellowship. Community Service was a very important part of Warren's life and working as a firefighter fulfilled this passion. He was a member of the Michigan State Firemen's Association, dedicating nine years as a Board Member and Serving as President during September 11, 2001 and retired as a life member. For 31 years, Warren was also involved with the Saginaw County Fire Association. Both Warren and Nancy were actively involved in the organization and implementation of the Kochville Township Fire Department, beginning as a volunteer based department. It was here Warren served as Assistant Chief, Chief, Communication's Officer, Trainer and chair for the building of the fire station and its addition, retiring as a life member. He was also involved within municipal government for Kochville Township for over 40 year serving under supervisors: Trautner, Allington, Bayne, Yancer, Bourdow and Liacano. Warren was chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals starting under Trautner; Planning Commission chair for 19 years under, Allington; Downtown Development Authority Board Member under Bayne; Constable for four years under Trautner; and he served in many capacities on various special committees which include: Zoning Ordinances, Stand Alone Ordinances, and two Master Plans until his retirement. Warren enjoyed many hobbies including his family camping, hiking, travel and studying genealogy plus of course watching television and reading. His family was very important to him and many of his activities included both grandchildren and great grandchildren as they could do no wrong. Reading and telling stories and taking them on vacations gave him great joy. Surviving are his loving wife of 54 years, Nancy G. Collisi of Saginaw; one son, Timmothy W. Collisi and his fiancée, Anne Drummond of Saginaw, and one daughter, Janet A. Collisi of Saginaw; special family friend, Michelle Macomber of Saginaw; four grandchildren: Stephanie (Timothy) Emerson, of Kentucky Tiffany (Reggie) Jones, Millington, Michigan, Keara (Auxence) Memini of Gabon, Africa and Leah Collisi; of Omaha, NB: ten great grandchildren: Jeffrey and Harmony Emerson, Trent Downs, Vivica, Terrance, and Kimora Memini, Donna Collisi-Ryg, and Olivia, Onnah and Katie Jones; brother, Maurice J. "Buzz" (Mary) Collisi of Perry, Michigan; sisters-in-law: Catherine Jean Baker of Chandler, AZ, Sally T. (James) Accetta of FL; Bonnie E. King and the late Douglas Mernitz of Lansing; brother-in-law, the late Wayne E. King and his surviving spouse, Judy King of Sanford, MI; nephews: Michael Collisi, and Alec Accetta, nieces: Laura (Collisi) Goodnoe, Amy (King) Grabaugh, Jill (King) Brisbane, Connie King) Keyser, Suzanne (Baker) Faico and Angela (Accetta) Tabb. Also surviving are many grand-nieces and nephews and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by Nancy's parents, Eugene and Grace King, and grandparents George and Alma Grambau of Rogers City, Michigan/. FUNERAL: Honoring Warren's wishes cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service will take place at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 12, 2014 at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State). Chaplain Gail Crachiola will officiate. Following the Service, everyone is invited to the Kochville Township Fire Department Station for a Balloon Release. Interment will take place at a later date in Rogers City, Michigan. VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the funeral home on Saturday, July 12, 2014 from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the Service at 1:30 p.m. INTERMENT: Warren's cremated remains will be interred at Rogers City Cemetery at 4:00 p.m. on July 19, 2014. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Kochville Township Fire Department, Michigan State Firemen's Association, and Presque Isle County Historical Museum. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, Kochville Township Fire Department or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.