Gerald Lee Vance

Jerry or “Poppie” to his grandchildren, Stephen Lange & Megan Thomas (Byron Thomas) was peacefully surrounded by his daughter Janet Lange (John Lange) and family. His wife Jane Vance of 61 years continued to be by his side until the very end after 10 years of dedicated care from a prior stroke.

Jerry was a proud Marine serving in the Korean War. Jerry had an extremely successful career with IBM and after years of traveling with the company; Jerry, Jane, and Janet settled in Arizona. A proud member of the Tucson Soaring Club - Jerry was a talented glider pilot and loved to spend his day working, welding, or flying. Poppie loved his grandkids more than anything and helped raise Stephen & Megan.

After living through the Great Depression, and serving in the Korean war, the families’ fond memories of him will always include his stories of what feels like the 10 lifetimes he lived in one. This proud Marine gave his family one final salute before Wednesday evening as his final goodbye.

Jerry was predeceased by his father, mother and brother; Walter, Anna and Dale Vance.

Memorial Service details to be announced at a later date.