Willard Vance

Willard “Pete” Chester Vance, 91, of Altoona, died on Monday, February 19, 2018 at Prairie Point in Altoona.

He was born on July 27, 1926 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin to Amanda (Nelson) and Roy Vance.

On Wednesday, May 16, 1945, Pete married his high school sweetheart Arlene Wold at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Eau Claire. They made their home in Altoona where they raised their four children. Pete and Arlene were a match made in heaven. They shared the same birthdate of July 27, 1926 – and were blessed with 50, 60 and 70-year anniversary celebrations.

For over 50 years, Pete was an active member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Altoona. Pete loved his church family, leading multiple building projects and holding church council positions. Pete worked for 40 years at Gould Company in Eau Claire. Retiring at age 58, Pete and Arlene traveled in their “Honey Wagon” to Texas and Arizona for over 20 years. Their travels blessed them with wonderful friendships and memories. In 2012 they moved to Eastridge Estates in Altoona which became their second community and family.

Grandpa loved planting his garden, reading books, playing cards, and taking camping trips with his grandchildren. He could fix anything and he loved nothing more than to take something apart, repair it and put it back together again. His love to keep busy helped start and complete many home projects for his children in retirement. Rest in peace Dad; we will meet again at heaven’s door!

He will be dearly missed by his wife of 72 years, Arlene; his children, Diane (Dean) Christensen, Steve (Alice) Vance, Jennie (Don) Childs and Bill (Vicki Long) Vance. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Sarah Christensen (Chris Sheets), Ryan (Amanda) Christensen, Michael Christensen, Rachel Hammond, Lindsey (Dave Currence) Childs, Ashley (Paul) Silber, Javier Vance, Arlene Vance, Marie Shy and Eddie (Amy) Green, ten great-grandchildren and his brother Don (Norma) Vance.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Roger, Ralph and George.

Pete’s family would like to thank Mayo Hospice and the staff at Prairie Point in Altoona for the loving and compassionate care Pete received.

A celebration of life will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Altoona, WI on Saturday, February 24, 2018 with the Rev. Dan Kohn officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. at the church. Burial will be held at St John’s Cemetery in Eau Claire.