Obituary of William A. Vance

William A. Vance, 87 of Iowa City, formerly of Osage, died Tuesday, February 8, 2011, at the Iowa City Care and Rehab Center. William Alexander Vance was born October 18, 1923, in Mitchell County, Iowa near Osage, the son of John A. and Carrie M. (Gravenor) Vance. Following graduation from Osage High School in 1941, he enlisted with the Army Air Corps serving during World War II. On April 30, 1948, he was united in marriage to Clarice A. Anderson in Osage. Bill and his friend, Butch Millard, were co-owners of the Red Owl grocery store on Main Street in the early 1950’s. The family moved from Osage in 1952, residing in a number of places over the years while Bill pursued his career in sales. The couple moved from Osage to Iowa City in 2002 to be near family. Bill’s passions were remodeling, playing golf, playing bridge with friends and spending time with his family. He will be greatly missed and always remembered for his sense of humor, and not least, his taste for aged cheddar and good scotch. Bill is survived by his wife, Clarice; 5 children, Cynthia Hanson of Minneapolis, MN; Mark (Mary Kay) Vance of Shoreview, MN; Jody Gates of Iowa City; Lori (Tom) Raife of Iowa City; and Jana Vance (Ryan Murphy) of Fairfax, CA; 9 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and his sister, JoAnne McGhan of Osage. Memorial services will be held later this spring in Osage, Iowa. Online condolences may be sent for the family through the web @ www.gayandciha.com. Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service of Iowa City is caring for Bill’s family and his arrangements.