Michael Allan Vance, 73, Luverne, died Monday, Oct. 26, 2020, at his home.
A memorial gathering will be held at a later date to celebrate Mike's life.
Michael Vance was born on Nov. 1, 1946, to Bud and Marian (Brekke) Vance. He was raised on his grandparents’ farm near Garretson, South Dakota. He attended Beaver Creek Public School, graduating in 1965.
On Jan. 8, 1966, he married Nancy 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. Mike was employed by Luverne Bumper, IBP and the U.S. Postal Service in Luverne prior to establishing his own home repair and painting business.
Mike had a great sense of humor, loved practical jokes and had a talent for impressions. He enjoyed coffee with the guys at the BP station in Luverne. Nancy and his daughters were the light of his life.
Mike is survived by his daughters, Shelly Vance of Hardwick and Vickie (Greg) Fikse of Minneapolis; honorary daughter Linda Dickman of Hardwick; siblings-in-law Tom Connell of Freemont, Nebraska, Richard Connell of Champlin, Dennis Connell of Phoenix, Arizona, Mark (Mary) Connell of Maple Grove, and Patricia (Donald) Bents of Worthington; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Nancy, on Aug. 11, 2020; 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.
Arrangements are provided by the Hartquist Funeral Home in Luverne, www.hartquistfuneral.com.
(1105 F)