William Irving Vann

Bill was born January 24, 1921, in Duluth, the son of Bernard and Alida “Lokke” Vann.

After attending Central High School, Bill joined the United States Marine Corps, Second Marine division, in June 1942 during World War II. He was in the Guadalcanal campaign and later went to New Zealand for training. Wounded during the history-making assault on Tarawa atoll, Gilbert Islands, November 20, 1943, Bill was awarded the Order of the Purple Heart medal. In addition, he holds the presidential unit citation ribbon given to the Second Marine division for action on Guadalcanal and three stars on his overseas campaign ribbon for participation in major battles.

On April 29th, 1944, while on leave in Duluth from the Naval hospital in San Diego, Bill married June Schwartz. They returned to San Diego to complete his recovery and one year later celebrated the birth of their first son, Bill Jr. After receiving his honorable discharge, the couple returned to Duluth. He and June were married 62 years before she passed away in 2006.

Those who have had the opportunity to listen to Bill’s many stories (and jokes) know that he was proud of his military service, his 34-year career with the U.S.P.S. and just as proud of his Norwegian heritage. He often shared tales of his family history and their travels from Norway to the Midwest and later Minnesota. And he loved his Holiday lutefisk dinner(s)! Scouting was a passion for many years. In June 1972, Bill was awarded a trophy from Duluth Boy Scout Troop 21 for his support of scouting and ongoing commitment as a swimming and life-saving coach.

Bill truly enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid gardener. He was always willing to share his secrets for growing and harvesting vegetables, but nothing highlighted his talents more than his magnificent dahlia displays. His flowers were always brilliant and bountiful, but he was happiest while delivering bouquets in late summer to friends and family around town.

A longtime member of First Lutheran Church in Duluth, he was an ongoing supporter of their radio fund and grateful for this service himself in later years.

In addition to his wife and parents, Bill was preceded in death by his brothers: Howard and Kirby; sisters: Mabel, Winnifred, Charlotte, and Carol.

No one could be more proud of their family than Bill. He is survived by two sons, Bill Jr. (Joan) of Venice, FL and Roger (Liz Kraus) of San Francisco CA; one daughter, Barb (Dennis) Oswell of Duluth; two grandsons, Aaron of Grinnell, IA and Benjamin (Tesha) of Indio, CA; a granddaughter, Lauren of Bloomington, MN; and three great-granddaughters, Kenzie, Ashlynn, and Brynlee.

The family would like to thank Dr. David Sproat, Bill’s Lakeshore at Home caregivers and St. Luke’s Hospice for their attention, care and concern; Bill’s friends at Mount Royal Pines; and the regular visits Bill so appreciated from Jim Settergren and Claryce Swensen.

Visitation: 5-7 p.m. Friday, November 13, 2015, in Bell Brothers Jarvi Dowd Funeral Home, Duluth. Visitation will continue at First Lutheran Church from 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 14th until the 11 a.m. Funeral Service. Memorials may be made to First Lutheran Church (Radio Fund), 1100 E. Superior Street, Duluth, MN 55802.