Carl E. Collins

Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Friend, Veteran and Builder.

"One damn hard worker."

A ceremony with military honors will be held at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery on Monday, July 13, 2026, at 11 a.m.

Born on June 15, 1940, in Star, Idaho, to Floyd E. Collins and Lillian Holden Collins. Carl, the youngest of five siblings, was raised in Melba, Idaho. Early in his childhood, he developed the values that would guide his life: diligence, honesty, and devotion to family.

As a young man, Carl answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Navy where he attained the rank of Petty Officer Second Class. He proudly served in the cargo and repair division aboard the USS Taluga (A062) in the Pacific for three years, then completed his service aboard the USS Apache (ATF 67). One of his favorite parts of his Navy service was being part of the fleet that serviced the USS Midway. During his military service, Carl accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior, a faith that remained an important foundation throughout his life.

After his honorable discharge from the Navy, Carl moved to San Diego, California, where he began his career in construction. For several years, he worked in the construction industry, building the skills and experience that would later shape his professional life. Although he enjoyed his time in California, where he started his life and family with Ellen, Idaho was always their home. Carl and Ellen returned to Idaho, where he would build an exceptional career.

On July 15, 1961, Carl married his soul mate, Ellen M. Mitchell, in Nampa, Idaho.Their nearly 65-year marriage was built on loyalty, laughter, and unconditional love. Carl often said that when he met Ellen, "the sparks were flying," and those sparks never faded. Together, they weathered life's hardships, celebrated its blessings, raised a family, built businesses, traveled, and created a lifetime of beautiful memories.

Carl spent more than 30 years with CM Company as an exceptional Superintendent, and earned the respect of owners, subcontractors, suppliers, and coworkers across the construction industry. Among the many notable projects he supervised were U.S. Bank facilities, the Holiday Inn Express and Red Robin restaurant on ParkCenter Boulevard, the Rogers Brothers Seed Plant, and countless other commercial, industrial, and community projects.

After his construction career, Carl and Ellen owned and operated A-1 Mini Storage on Federal Way for many years. Together, they built a successful business grounded in earnestness, honesty, and exceptional customer service, while continuing to invest in self-storage and rental properties throughout the Treasure Valley.

While his extraordinary work ethic and attention to detail on his construction projects have left a lasting mark on the Treasure Valley for generations to come, Carl's greatest accomplishment was the family he loved, the perfect marriage he shared with Ellen, and the countless lives he touched through his extraordinary example.

Carl was known for his practical wisdom and straightforward approach to life. One of his favorite sayings was, "The middle of the line." Whether he was buying a vehicle, a tool, or making an important decision, Carl often said, "I would never buy the top of the line, and I would never buy the bottom of the line. The middle of the line is usually just right." That philosophy reflected the way he lived his life - with balance, common sense, humility, and an appreciation for value over extravagance.

Family was always Carl's highest priority. No matter how busy work became, he made time for the people he loved. He faithfully attended his children's sporting events and activities throughout their lives and extended that same commitment to his four grandchildren. Carl and Ellen could almost always be found in the stands. His family knew they could count on him to cheer them on, offer encouragement, celebrate their accomplishments, and provide support during hard times. Those countless hours spent supporting his children and grandchildren became some of his greatest joys and a part of the legacy he leaves behind.

Carl especially loved spending time in two places dear to his heart: Grimes Creek near Idaho City and Pine, Idaho, near Anderson Ranch Reservoir. Whether he was fishing, four-wheeling, camping, hunting, gold prospecting, or simply enjoying the mountains with family and friends, Carl found peace in Idaho's outdoors. Some of his happiest memories were made around campfires, on backcountry roads, and along the waters where he loved to fish. He was a loyal Boise State football fan and spent many years attending games with Ellen and close friends. Starting in their teenage years, they danced an innumerable number of nights away to love songs and anything that Carl could do his famous “twist” to.

Carl is survived by his dearly beloved wife, Ellen M. Collins of Boise; his son, Scott Collins and daughter-in-law, Kendra Collins of Boise; grandsons Colton K. Collins and Jayden C. Collins, of Boise; son-in-law Grant L. Petersen Jr. of Boise; grandson Brayden Grant Petersen and wife, Carly Petersen, of Plain City, Ohio; granddaughter, Trinity Marie Petersen of Boise; sister Arlene Spiers of Boise, and sister JoAnn Hill of Klamath Falls, Oregon.

He was preceded in death by his cherished daughter, Connie Marie Petersen, whom he loved dearly and his older brothers Floyd Jr. and Clyde.