Candace Dae Collins (Henke), 64, Sawyer, was a strong and loving presence in our lives. She died on Monday, June 1, 2015 at Trinity Hospital in Minot, North Dakota.

Candace was born May 23, 1951 in Minot, the daughter of Hugo and Florence (Vix) Henke. She was raised on the family farm southwest of Sawyer and educated at Sawyer School, graduating in 1969. She received her college degree in social science education at NDSU in Fargo, and later received a music education degree at Minot State University.

She loved music, and played the piano from the time she was a child, and went on to teach private lessons, and became the music teacher at Esmond School, Bell School, and Sawyer High School for more than 20 years, retiring in 2013.

Candace was a lifelong member of Hope Lutheran Church, Sawyer, continuing the legacy of faith that her parents instilled in her with their many years of involvement. She was active with the church council and church women's groups; she also served as a Sunday school teacher and trustee. Family was of utmost importance to Candace. She made sure to attend and travel to as many recitals, sporting events, and milestones as she possibly could. Being able to spend time with her children and grandchildren meant the world to her. She will be greatly missed. She had a wonderful life and would want to thank those who made it so.

Her loving family includes , children, Lacey (Jock) Stevick, Minot, Rory Collins, Minot, Casey (Megan) Collins, Minneapolis, MN; grandchildren, Jack, Selia & Sofia Stevick; Mia, Isla & Liva Collins; brother, Randy (Dorothy) Henke, RR Sawyer; aunt, Ruth Davidson, Minot; uncle, Herman Vix, Arizona; several nieces, nephews and cousins, and friends she held dear.

Candace was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral service : Monday, June 8, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. in Hope Lutheran Church, rural Sawyer.
Interment : Hope Lutheran Cemetery, rural Sawyer.
Due to the Church's size constraints, there will be a Public Prayer Service: Sunday, June 7th at 7:00 p.m. in Zion Lutheran Church, Minot.
Visitation: Sunday from Noon-5:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials : preferred to Hope Lutheran Church Cemetery, rural Sawyer