Michael L. Vance

Michael L. Vance, age 76 of Kimberly, WI, devoted husband of Bev (Smith), died peacefully at St. Elizabeth Hospital, Appleton, WI, on February 27, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.  He leaves behind sons Adam (Kelly) Vance and Todd (Jen) Hilscher; daughters Sydney (Jake) Ramey, Molly (Brian) Ottney, and Megan (Josh) Lahne; 12 grandchildren; sister Cheryl (Ron) King; and special sister-in-law and brother-in-law Sue (Smith) and Bob Ramos.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Elsie Vance and sister Jackie (Paul) Eiserle. 

Mike was born in Paulding, OH on December 7, 1946.  Following his graduating from Paulding High School, he served in the U.S. Army as an MP.  He was fortunate to be stationed in Garmisch, Germany.  He attended Tri-State College and Indiana University, then worked in the transportation industry for over 40 years. 

Mike and Bev enjoyed hosting dinners for family and friends in their home and relished activities of their treasured grandchildren who remember his keen interest in their activities and his quick wit.  A Christmas gift of a T-shirt with the wording “Ask Grandpa anything, he’ll make up something good!” described him perfectly. 

Mike and Bev loved peaceful days together at home and in their backyard.  He enjoyed the beauty and bounty of their arden (gardening, not so much!).  He loved to fish, to attend sporting events, and to travel roads he’d never traveled.  Special travel memories he held were excursions to Europe, driving across the U.S. and vacationing in peaceful Door County with friends. 

The family thanks the compassionate physicians and nursing staff of St. Elizabeth Hospital as well as the Lions Eye Bank.  In lieu of floers, the family requests donations be made to First Congregational Church, 724 E. South River St, Appleton, WI.  Mike’s ashes will be interred in the church’s memorial garden.  No funeral service will be held, per Mike’s wishes.

“If I had a flower for every time I thought of you… I could walk through my garden forever.”

                                                                                                          ~ Alfred Tennyson