Neal Vance

Our loving husband, father and grandfather passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at Mayo Clinic after a four-month battle with myelofibrosis, surrounded by his family. Age 79 years.

Neal was born on April 4, 1943 in Nebraska City, Nebraska to Basil and Alice (née Roberts) Vance. He was the eldest of five children. Neal served in the U.S. Navy and was a proud graduate of the University of Michigan, where he obtained a degree in electrical engineering. In addition to his professional interests in engineering and construction, he also enjoyed watching college football, professional golf, and the TV game show Jeopardy, which he watched nearly every weeknight with his son Zachary. In his later years he became a fan of several home-improvement channels on YouTube, and did extensive genealogical research in partnership with the Vance Family Association. Neal will be remembered for many things; not just his achievements and hobbies, but the qualities and characteristics that made him such a wonderful husband, father, and friend. Neal was intelligent and uncompromising, but also kind and patient. He was self-assured, but always willing to learn and adapt. In all things he encouraged reason, healthy skepticism, and self-reliance. Those qualities and impressions will live on in all of the lives he has touched, in both small and large ways.

Neal is survived by his mother, Alice; wife, Cheryl; daughter, Kristin Rigda; son, Zachary Vance; grandchildren, Bradly, Jordon, Parker, and Grace; and great-grandchildren, Jackson and Carter. He is also survived by in-laws, extended family, and friends. He was preceded in death by his son, David, father, Basil and siblings, Don, Gary, Glen, and Carol.