Anna Rose Collas

Sun Prairie – Anna Rose Collas - It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our beloved mother Anna Rose Collas of Sun Prairie, WI who passed away on November 2, 2024, after a brief illness. She was surrounded by immense love and admiration for the incredible mother and person she was. For 90 years, she graced us with her presence, quiet strength, calm demeanor, and beauty inside and out. 

Anna Rose was born to the late Agnes and Fay Miller of LaFarge, WI on September 12, 1934. She was a farm girl by default and would say how her dad was hoping for a boy to help on the farm, but she came along and showed him what a strong farm hand looks like. She excelled in school and in sports and later would go to college to become a nurse, almost anyway. On October 10, 1953, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Madison, Anna Rose was united in marriage to George Crist Collas. Unfortunately, back then, you were not allowed to be married while in nursing school and she was booted from the program. Anna Rose lived in Madison, Chicago, San Jose, and even Germany following George throughout his military career. They eventually returned to the northside of Madison where they made their home for years to come. She made Sun Prairie her home in 1998 where she lived a busy life in her retirement and enjoying her family and grandkids. Anna Rose retired from Central Wisconsin Center in 1995 after decades of service caring for others - something Anna Rose did 24/7. She was the most selfless woman and she put others first, always. She was a quiet woman most days, but she would share her thoughts if asked, and occasionally when not asked. Her memory was better than most right up ‘til her passing, and she took pride in keeping up with the comings and goings of her kids, grandkids, great grandkids, nieces, nephews, and even her kid’s friends. She would happily give you a summary of the news for that day, even when unsolicited! Anna Rose obtained her driver’s license in her late 40’s, which unbeknownst to her became essential as George passed away at the young age of 55, which left her a widow far too young. Her life has been her kids, her grandkids, and great grandkids, and everything else came after that. A true matriarch in every way. 

Anna Rose’s craft was making beautiful quilts, stockings, and Christmas tree skirts which, if you have one, are heirlooms to cherish. She loved spending her idle time quilting, not that a mother of nine children and numerous grandchildren had much idle time. We could not have asked for a better mother, grandmother or great grandmother and she will be missed by all who loved her. 

Anna Rose is survived by five sons: George (Karen), Frank (Shari), Phil, Mike (Laurie Wegger), and John (Betty Goth) and three daughters: Nancy (Steve) Krause, Laura (Randy) Roundy, and Anna Marie (Brent) Hoffmann; 17 grandchildren: Carrie (Bob) Kniprath, Ryan (Katie) Krause, Erin Krause, Angela Collas (Christian Johnson), Chris (Emily) Collas, Jason Collas (Suzanne Turek), Chad (Alisha) Taft, Ashley Taft, Mack Collas, Keaton Collas (Anna Rehbein), Brandon Collas, Brittany Collas (Cody Dieckow), Luke Collas, Riley Hoffmann (Chelsea Anderson), Brady Hoffmann, Keley Hoffmann, and Conley Hoffmann, and 17 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by sisters Lou Provenzano, Karen Waddell (Lloyd), and brother Bernie (Patty) Miller and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband George, son Jeffrey, her parents, and siblings Marilyn Ernst, Darlene Hysel, and Larry Miller.

A private family burial will be held at 1:00 pm on Thursday, November 7, 2024 at Roselawn Memorial Park. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday November 9, 2024 from 1:00 pm-4:00 pm at the Hilton Garden Inn, 1220 S. Grand Ave. Sun Prairie. 

When tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart, for every time you think of me, I'm right there inside your heart.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie

(608) 837-9054

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com