Michael Allan Vance

MICHAEL ALLEN VANCE was born on November 1, 1946 to Bud and Marian (Brekke) Vance. He was raised on his grandparents’ farm near Garretson, South Dakota. He stayed busy in childhood tagging along with his grandfather and uncle helping on the farm. He attended Beaver Creek Public School in Beaver Creek, Minnesota, graduating with the class of 1965. On January 8, 1966 Mike was united in marriage to Nancy L. Connell at Bethany Lutheran Church in Luverne. Mike entered the service in late March 1966 and was stationed in South Carolina. When Mike returned from the service, they made their home in Luverne, Minnesota. The couple was blessed with two daughters. Mike was employed by Luverne Bumper, IBP, and the US postal Service in Luverne, prior to establishing his own home repair and painting business. On Monday, October 26, 2020, Mike passed away at the age of 73 years, 11 months, and 25 days.

Mike had a great sense of humor, loved practical jokes, and a talent for impressions. He enjoyed having coffee and shooting the breeze with the guys at the BP station in Luverne. Mike loved a good glass of bourbon, especially Evan Williams. Nancy and the girls were the light of his life.

Mike is lovingly remembered by daughters, Shelly Vance of Hardwick, Minnesota and Vickie (Greg) Fikse of Minneapolis, Minnesota; grand fur-babies, Billie, Allie, Smokey and Mischief; honorary daughter, Linda Dickman of Hardwick; siblings-in-law, Tom Connell of Freemont, Nebraska, Richard Connell of Champlin, Minnesota, Dennis Connell of Phoenix, Arizona, Mark (Mary) Connell of Maple Grove, Minnesota, and Patricia (Donald) Bents of Worthington, Minnesota; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents; many uncles and aunts, brother-in-law, Jerry Connell; sisters-in-law, Karen Connell and LaDonna Connell; In-laws, Delores and Leo Connell; and honorary daughter, Paula Dickman.

Mike and family greatly appreciated all the help from the wonderful neighbors on South Donaldson.

A memorial gathering will be held at a later date to celebrate Mike's life.