Nancy L. Vance

NANCY LOUISE VANCE was born on July 11, 1947 to Leo and Delores (Ormseth) Connell in Luverne, Minnesota. She was raised in town with a sister and five brothers. She stayed busy in childhood tagging along with her older siblings who had her play basketball and softball, swim at the pool and head to the roller rink put up by the pool. She attended Luverne Public School, graduating with the class of 1965. On January 8, 1966 Nancy was united in marriage to Michael Vance at Bethany Lutheran Church in Luverne. Mike entered the service in late March 1966 and was stationed in South Carolina. Nancy stayed with her parents during that time and worked as a clerk at Nelson Department Store. When Mike returned from the service, they made their home in Luverne. The couple was blessed with two daughters and Nancy transitioned to being a full time Mom. As the girls grew older she returned to working various jobs. During the 1980’s, health concerns forced her into retirement. On Tuesday, August 11, 2020, Nancy passed away at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota at the age of 73 years and 1 month.

Nancy had a great sense of humor, loved practical jokes, and delighted in heckling her brothers over the years. She was stubborn and set in her way. Nancy was talented in the kitchen, baking and cooking up good things for her family. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, card games, Sudoku, craft projects and was an avid reader.

Nancy is lovingly remembered by her husband, Michael of Luverne; 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, 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 nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Jerry Connell and John Connell; sisters-in-law, Karen Connell and LaDonna Connell; mother-in-law, Marian Vance; and honorary daughter, Paula Dickman.

Nancy 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 Nancy's life.