Sara Collins Obituary

Sara Starr Collins, 48, of Cedar Rapids went to a better place on Monday, July 28, 2025. Funeral service: 1 p.m. Saturday, August 2, 2025 at Teahen Funeral Home.  Friends may visit with the family on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 12 to 12:45 p.m. at the funeral home. 

Sara is survived by her daughters, the loves of her life, Cora and Celia Collins; mother, Cindi Ekberg; father, Russell D. Collins; sisters, Lara (Todd) Schissel and Rachel Collins (Drew Tran); brother, Darren (Jennifer) Ekberg; uncle, Bruce Carlson; nieces and nephews: Tate and Thea Schissel, Keenan (Eliyah) Collins, Samantha and Jacob Ekberg; great-nephew, Kase Collins; and cousins, Jake and Matthew Carlson.

Sara was born January 27, 1977, the middle of three daughters to Russell and Cindi. She attended Truman Elementary and Taft Middle schools and was a 1995 graduate of Jefferson High School, where she excelled as an athlete, forged forever friendships and brought the fun! She attended Kirkwood Community College before discovering the skilled trade that would focus her talents.

Sara found pride in her career working as a union painter. She started with the IUPAT Local 447 - District Council 81 in 2006 as an apprentice. After graduating to Journeyman in 2010, Sara served as Treasurer for the local. Later, she was elected as both Delegate and Trustee for the council. Sara assisted with apprenticeships, health & safety trainings, and volunteered on many community projects, including painting His Hands Free Clinic. She believed in the importance and significance of the unions and how they safeguard workers. 

Sara had a deep love for the outdoors and was passionate about fishing, mushroom hunting, and recently, wood carving. She showcased incredible creativity from a young age and was especially gifted at drawing. She was an avid country music fan and a devoted animal lover, especially to her dog, Trigger. Sara had an enthusiasm for decorations, spicy and savory foods, campfires and hoodies. Her game skills were on point and she was always up for a round of darts, dice, cards, cribbage or pool. Competition and connection went hand in hand. Sara’s spirits soared playing softball in her youth and particularly as a J-Hawk shortstop on a legendary team. She took great joy in teaching her daughters the sport and watching them play and participate in their various activities. She was beautifully loud there and everywhere. Most of all, she treasured time spent with her girls, her family, her friends, and meeting new people along her path. She shared what she had, gave what she could. Sara's humor and open nature were like no other. Her faith and wild heart knew no limits.

Memorials may be directed to the family for an established memorial fund for Sara’s daughters.