Richard "Mac" Harvey McCollum

Richard Harvey McCollum, 96, of Spring Park, Minnesota, died of congestive heart failure on Monday, October 12, 2026.

Richard was born on April 14, 1930, in Chicago to Edgar and Alice (Harvey) McCollum. He was raised in Flossmoor, Illinois, and graduated from Bloom Township High School, where he excelled in track and field. He competed in the 440-yard dash at the Illinois State Track and Field Meet. While attending Purdue University, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict and was stationed in Spokane and Alaska. After completing his military service, Richard returned to Purdue and earned a degree in mechanical engineering.

While in college, Richard met his future wife, Darlene Kolley, on a blind date. They married on September 8, 1956. Richard began his engineering career at Procter & Gamble and spent most of his career with Pillsbury. The couple lived in Cincinnati, Ohio; Springfield, Illinois; New Albany, Indiana; and Minnetonka, Minnesota. They raised five children and enjoyed traveling, camping, coaching sports, and Boy Scout leadership. Richard retired from Pillsbury in 1986. In 1990, he and Darlene moved to a home on Lake Ossawinnamakee in Minnesota. Darlene died in 2000.

Richard married Kay (Putrah) on December 29, 2001. They lived in Breezy Point, Minnesota; Laughlin, Nevada; and, most recently, Spring Park, Minnesota. They enjoyed traveling and spending time with their large circle of friends and family.

Richard is survived by his wife, Kay; three daughters, Judge Cynthia McCollum (John Mahoney) of Excelsior; Cheryl McCollum (Steve Ottelien) of Madison, Wisconsin; and Lisa (Stephen) Paul of Oak Park, Illinois; and a son, Jeffrey McCollum of Minneapolis. He is also survived by his sister, Sarah Wood of St. Joseph, Michigan; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

He is further survived by Kay’s children, Jim Wilson (Robert "Skip" Hackney) and Sandra (Kevin) Kraabel, along with six grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Karen, who died at age two; his first wife, Darlene; his brother-in-law, Kenneth Wood; and Kay’s son, Scott Wilson.

As a child, Richard enjoyed following the Chicago Cubs, taking family trips, and spending time with his beloved cousins. He was a wonderful storyteller who taught his children the importance of hard work, encouraged them to explore the beautiful places in the world, and inspired them to believe the Minnesota Vikings might someday win the Super Bowl.

Celebration of Life will be Saturday, November 14 from 2-6 PM at Minnetonka American Legion Post 398, 2333 Wilshire Blvd, Mound, MN 55364.