Vance (Butch)

Vance George Gray (Butch), 68, was taken from us unexpectedly Friday, July, 10 2015.

Vance was born in Duluth, MN March 13,1947 to George and Jean Gray and grew up in Lakewood. He graduated from Central High School. After high school he joined the army reserves and served for 6 years. On August 31, 1968 he married the love of his life Pat Franckowiak and they raised three sons. Vance went to work for Northwestern Bell Telephone and retired from Qwest in 2002 after nearly 35 years. He served as a volunteer for the Gnesen Volunteer Fire Department for 39 years serving as treasurer for many of those years.

Vance is preceded in death by his mother and father; and several aunts and uncles.

Vance started everyday completing the crossword and jumble in the newspaper. He enjoyed playing cribbage and horseshoes, gardening, working in the woods with his bulldozer, watching his grandchildren's sporting events and spending time with family and friends.

Vance is survived by his loving wife, Pat; children, Bryan (Stephanie), Randy (Ali), Jason (Jennifer), all of Duluth; grandchildren, Garrett, Ryan, Drew, Dylan, Brady, Savanna, and Emily; sister, Kathy (Greg) Hutar of Ely; and brother, Tom (Sheri) of Duluth; and many special nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Visitation will be 10AM, Monday, July 13, 2015 until the start of the funeral service beginning at 11:30AM in St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Gnesen.

Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 218-727-3555