JAMES "RALPH" VANCE, 75, of 2536 Peterson Ave., died Sunday, October 24, 1999 at his home. He was born on April 25, 1924 in Eau Claire to Roy and Amanda (Nelson) Vance. Ralph also known as "Barney", was the second of five boys. Ralph moved to the farm on Peterson Avenue with his parents in 1942.He took over the farm in 1947 when his father died, and farmed until 1978 when he lost his eyesight.\r\nRalph married Norma Steinke on June 28, 1952. They were married for 8 years when Norma died on January 1, 1960, from acute myocarditis at the age of 33. They had no children. On April 22, 1960, he married Dorothy Lane. They had a son who died at birth in 1962, and two daughters. Dorothy died from cancer on October 24, 1982, at the age of 60. \r\nIn addition to running the farm, Ralph also worked full time at Skeels construction as a laborer from 1960 to1970. In 1974 he went to work for Equity Livestock Market in Altoona until it was destroyed by fire, when it was rebuilt he worked part time, retiring in 1987.\r\nRalph leaves behind two daughters, Barbara Kelley of Milwaukee and Betty Buttke of Eau Claire; five grandchildren, Jonathon Buttke, Sylvana, Amanda, and Lloyd Meservey and Spencer Kelley Jr.; two step-grandchildren, Shawn, and Steven Kelley; three brothers, George, Willard and Donald; many nieces and nephews.\r\nHe was preceded in death by his two wives, Norma and Dorothy; parents; a son, Michael James; and a brother, Roger.\r\nFuneral services will be at 1 p.m. Friday at Ascension Lutheran Church with Pastor Paul Sullivan officiating. Burial will be in Edson Union Cemetery, Town of Edson, Chippewa County. Friends may call 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home and an hour prior to services Friday at the church. Ralph loved farming and people. He would give the shirt off his back to any stranger that needed it. He was a good friend to everyone who knew him. He worked very hard to provide for his family, and was a devoted husband and a great father. He was "Dad" and "Grandpa" to more than just his own children and grandchildren.

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