Colin Joseph Atkinson

Colin Joseph Atkinson, 89, of Oak Center, MN, died on July 18th, 2026 from complications with ALS.  
He was born to Merle and Evelyn (Fick) Atkinson on January 6th, 1937 in Wabasha County, MN.  He was the brother to seven siblings, Lucille, Janice, Shirley, Sharon, Glenn, Curt and Connie.  He attended rural grade school, District 52, near Zumbro Falls up until 8th grade.  He then attended Rochester High School and graduated in 1954. After high school, he worked for Alfred Schumacher, Contractor, operating motor grader from 1955 to 1959 in Oak Center.  He joined the United States Army on September 14th, 1959.  Served two years in the regular Army, came home and was called to activate duty with the 544th ordinance company out of Wabasha, MN.  Then deployed to Fort Polk, Louisiana in 1962 and received an Honorable Discharge in September of 1962. Colin was a member of the Millville Valley American Legion.
He married the love of his life, Alice (Dubbels), on December 27th, 1959.  They celebrated 67 wonderful years together.  After his years in the service, he worked for Quarve and Anderson of Rochester, MN, operating road grader from 1962 until 1967.  He then started Atkinson Construction, (excavating and grading) in Oak Center in 1967. He preferred Caterpillar excavating equipment and you could often see him around town wearing a signature Caterpillar cap.  After 47 years of running the business, he sold it in 2013 to his son and grandson Craig and Jacob Atkinson. Craig worked for him ever since graduating from high school in 1981 and after serving in the Army.  Colin plowed snow for 70 years from 1955 to 2025.  
Colin was a member of the United Methodist Church in Zumbro Falls, MN and was confirmed there.  In 1954, he was confirmed at Trinity Lincoln Lutheran Church and has been a life-long member since that time.  He held the offices of Trustee, Chairman/Elder, and head Usher.
His hobbies included operating motor grader for his son and grandson, deer hunting, traveling (especially out West), playing 500 and Euchre, attending Atkinson family breakfasts, and spending time with his children and grandchildren.  Colin and Alice played in two different card clubs for over 50 years, and attended a lot of wedding dances for friends and family.   
He is survived by his loving wife, Alice;  daughters Valerie (Mark) Moyer and Amber Atkinson (Shane Christopherson); sons Craig (Connie) Atkinson and Colin Jr. (Anita) Atkinson; 9 grandchildren, Megan (Lisa) Lindell, Jake (Teresa) Atkinson, Drew (Meagan) Miller, Ashley (Ethan) Logsdon, Brianna (Travis Knudsen) Miller, Cole (Kenedy) Atkinson, Alexa (Rusty) Grisim, and Mela and Jane Schmitz; his 11 great-grandchildren Taylor Lindell, Parker and Julia Atkinson, Erin, Jordy and Harrison Miller, Corinne, Meredith and Emmett Logsdon, William and Noah Atkinson; and siblings Janice (George) Gilbert, Curt (Deb) Atkinson, Connie J. Atkinson, sister-in-law, Carol Atkinson Zabel, and brother-in-law Lance Issenberg.   
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Lucille Michel, Shirley Nibbe, Glenn Atkinson and Sharon Issenberg; nephews Justin and Daran Atkinson, Dana Michel, and Brent Hughley.   
The reviewal will be held at Schleicher Funeral Homes in Lake City, MN on Thursday, August 6th from 4-7pm and the funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 7th at Trinity Lutheran Church - Lincoln with Pastor Daniel Reich officiating. Friends and family may also visit one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Schleicher Funeral Homes, Lake City Chapel, the guest register may be signed at: www.schleicherfuneralhomes.com