Melvin Cookie Collien

April 21, 1944 - January 24, 2022

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Friday 1/28, 9:30 am - 12:00 pm

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Friday 1/28, 12:00 pm

Melvin “Cookie” Collien, age 77, of Mayville passed away peacefully on Monday, January 24, 2022, at St. Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac.A visitation will be held on Friday, January 28, 2022 from 9:30 a.m. until Noon at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Mayville. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at Noon with Rev. Father Tom Biersack as Celebrant. Inurnment will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery at a later date.Cookie was the youngest of 7 children born to Pat and Erna (Meyer) Collien, on April 21, 1944. He graduated from Mayville High School in 1962. He was united in holy matrimony on August 6, 1966 to Margaret Ann Elsinger at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in LeRoy and enjoyed a 43 year marriage with the love of his life. Cookie was selfless and compassionate as he cared for Maggie during her long battle with multiple sclerosis. While raising their two sons, Scott and Brian, they enjoyed many camping trips, driving across the country on family vacations and countless gatherings with relatives and friends. He worked for 39 years at Tab Products in shipping and receiving and subsequently retired from Quad/Graphics. However, his most fulfilling job was delivering joy to the children and families of Mayville for over 50 years as Santa Claus. In addition, Cookie was actively involved in the Mayville Knights of Columbus and a member of St. Mary’ Catholic Church. After spending half a century serving his community, in 2018, Cookie was honored as Mayville Citizen of the year.Cookie’s joys in life were his family, his grandchildren and the many friends he made along the way. He especially enjoyed a game of sheepshead with friends and blackjack at the casino. His final years were spent with Catherine Kehrmeyer, who was a very special person in his life. The family appreciates Catherine’s kindness, generosity and genuine friendship for Cookie. The family is also grateful for the many friends and healthcare workers that helped Cookie during his life.Survived by his sons: Scott (Laurell Breslow) Collien and Brian (Amy Hathaway) Collien. Grandchildren include: Dakota (Mallory) Schrank, Maxwell, Logan, and Avery Collien, Megan Collien, and great-granddaughter Isabelle Schrank. He is further survived by siblings Delores Neumeyer and Raymond (Joann) Collien. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.He was preceded in death by Margaret Collien in 2009, grandson Keagan, siblings Helen, Rosie, Edward, and Maxine.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Mary’s Catholic School.The Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.koepsellfh.com.

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Friday 1/28, 9:30 am - 12:00 pm

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Friday 1/28, 12:00 pm

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Melvin played Santa for me at the Neosho public library. We were so happy with Melvin. The children loved his time with them. Always made everyone enjoy the holiday. Sorry for your loss. I am sure you also loved him very much. Linda Albertson from Neosho

l'm so sorry to hear of the passing of Cookie. He was a great man and a wonderful friend. Will forever have great memories of him playing Santa. He was so very proud of making 50yrs as Mayville's one and only Santa. Rest in peace my friend.

Scott and Brian - so many neighborhood memories for the short time we lived across the street. Parties, cookouts and even hay rides. Cookie and Margaret were definitely part of the glue that bound the neighborhood together.

Jeff and I were so sorry to hear about Cookies passing. I worked with him for years at Tab, he always had a kind word, a joke, and a smile to brighten my days. He was kind enough to visit our home as Santa for many years when my children were little. The look of wonder in their eyes will live on in my heart forever. Cooks you will be sorely missed by all of us. God takes the best home to be with him, we will see you again one day. Save a place for us.

Jeff and Shelly Steinhorst
Mayville, WI
January 28th 2022.

My deepest sympathy to Cookie's family. I hope you find solace in all the amazing memories we have of him in our lives.

Many Santa visits to our house. My brother being hesitant of Santa, "how does he know my name?!" To later asking my mom, "hey, why does Cookie sounds like Santa?" My dad faithfully asked each year for a "Charlie's Angel." He'd laugh while we would roll our eyes. Alas. No angel ever did arrive, but we are grateful for the many wonderful family memories. Cookie- give grandma and grandpa a big hug when you see them. I'm sure they've got the cards ready for you.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

The Colleen family are Very special people. Rose was my baby sitter when I came home from hospital only weighing 2 pounds, lots of fun with your family including making cream candy, what a loss to the community,
God Bless. Kathryn Mary Whitney Jensen Waukesha Wis,

I've known Cooks my whole life and He would always call me Bradley B...So many good memories with him when I was younger...Always kind, generous and good to me... I always felt at home when I would visit Brian and Scott...Rest in peace my friend and my sympathies to the Collien family

My sympathies to the family of Cookie. He was the best Santa Mayville ever had. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.

I had the pleasure of going to school with cookie for 12 years. First at saint Marys grade school and than at Mayville high. Was looking forward to seeing him this fall at the 60 th reunion. He played Santa one year for our children. Rest In Peace COOKIE

I had the sincere pleasure of spending time with Cookie when I visited my mother in Leroy this past August. His zest for life and compassionate heart were both evident to me soon after meeting him. We shared some fun times and conversations when I was there. I am glad I have those memories. I offer my sincere sympathies to Cookie�s family, especially his two sons who he talked about often, his friends, my mom in particular who was his very special friend. Rest In Peace Cookie knowing you left a mark on your community and with your huge circle of friends.

Cookie was never without a smile. Had the privilege of being employed with him at Quad/Graphics (Grey Team).

I was Melvin's neighbor from 2000-2001, living 2 doors down on Valley Street. I enjoyed our chats, as I didn't know many people and he and I could carry on a good conversation. My sincere condolences go to those who mourn his passing.

Thank you Cookie for the wonderful memories of visiting our home and being Santa not only to our children, but also to the children of our friends. No one can ever replace the kind, loving, happy Santa that you were.

He was one in a million! Will be missed! Thanks for the memories Santa!

My deepest sympathies Cookie's family.

My Deepest Sympathy to all of the family. Sending prayers.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.