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Thomas M. Vance
1966 - 2004
Thomas M. Vance
1966 - 2004
Obituary
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Thomas Vance Obituary
Tom died unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 11, 2004, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, after suffering a Cerebral Hemorrhage.
Thomas Matthew Vance was born February 10, 1966, in Davenport, a son of Charles Arthur and Susan Lee (Frick) Vance. He was united in marriage to Jane C. Eckman on September 1, 1990, in Bettendorf.
He was a 1984 graduate of Davenport West High School.
Tom was employed for the past seven years for Nestle Purina, Davenport. His other labor of love was his band, which Tom simply referred to as M.L.M. He had the ability to make his guitar sound like a gentle surf lapping against a cobble stone beach or pierce the air like a lightning bolt. He was usually at the epicenter of a roaring crowd of laughter and the cornerstone of family gatherings.
A lifelong Chicago Bears fan, he was proud to be a multi-year season ticket holder.
Tom was a dedicated, devoted husband, father, brother, son and friend that will be missed by all.
Memorials can be made to an educational fund for his daughter, Sarah Jane.
Survivors include his wife, Jane; his daughter whom he adored, Sarah Jane Vance; his parents, Charles "Buzz" and Susan Vance, Davenport; a brother and sister-in-law, John and Christina Vance, Davenport; and nieces and nephews. "Tom Vance delighted in life everyday."
Online condolences and remembrances can be expressed to the family by visiting www.hmdfuneralhome.com.
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August 20, 2021
I love and miss you very much, dad.
BILL AND BETTIE ROGGENKAMP
May 23, 2004
DEAR BUZZ AND SUE.WE WERE SO SAD TO HEAR ABOUT THE PASSING OF YOUR SON TOM. WE DID NOT KNOW HIM, BUT FROM READING WHAT OTHER PEOPLE HAD TO SAY ABOUT HIM IN THE GUEST BOOK, THE WORLD HAS LOST A WONDERFUL PERSON. BILL & BETTIE
Julie Matveeva (Brumley)
May 23, 2004
My sympathies go out to Tom's family. I went to high school with both Tom and John as well as knew them from Beethovens, The Clipper, Prof. Feelgoods, etc. His talent will be missed.
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STEVE EIS
May 18, 2004
I got to know Tom when we were teenagers working together @ the Elks club in Davenport.He would wait
until everyone had just about had enough and he would sneak off and call in to the bar and have Ronnie James Dio paged and we would all know he was up to it again.
Tom you will be greatly missed as the world will be much duller without you.
see you later man. Steve.
Eis-man
Karen Schropp
May 17, 2004
My deepest sympathy goes out to Toms' family. He was a great guy with a comic gift as well as a musical gift. He will be missed by many. I've known Tom (and John) for a lot of years and know this just wasn't fair. God has a plan for all of us....
Sincerely, Karen (Roggenkamp)Schropp
Bryan Young
May 16, 2004
When a friend dies, one isn't truly forgotten...
Specially when touched by the lives of others, without asking
From heart to heart, in such a loving, caring and unique fashion
When a friend dies, one isn't truly gone...
Though departed in the physical but remains in my mind's gate
With me forever, regardless of their untimely fate
When a friend dies, one isn't truly lost...
But is found and lives in the hearts of all of us
Simply because we love em'... the recipient of our trust
When a friend dies, one must travel alone...
Each one has his own special road, the route is created by each own
Without help, each must walk alone; to our final destination, home
When a friend dies, everyone becomes hurt...
Though no mere words can ever categorize the sorrow
It's good memories fused with time that helps us through tomorrow
When a friend dies, God is still in control...
Knowing that in the good or the bad, we are still blessed
Because our God, not us, knows what's truly best
Though how can it be explained when a friend dies, yet we still remain
Until I see God and He makes it all clear -- at least I know He's always near
I'll always remember my friend that I held dear, as I wipe away this tear
Brian and Karen Dugan
May 15, 2004
To the Vance family we send our condolences on the death of Tom. To lose someone so young simply makes the loss so much more devastating. Our prayers are with Tom and with you.
Leo Kelly
May 14, 2004
My prayers go out to the Vance family. A few months back, my brother Bob & I were at the Steeplegate waiting to get in and have brunch w\ our mom, Tom and his family came in, we were all visibley tired from gigs the night before, but we shared a few stories about our seperate adventures...you could feel the enthusiasm from all of us...a very cool brotherhood to be in. I know Tom loved his family, the Chicago Bears and rocking out. It is so cool that he got to play with one of his fave bands Marillion last year. He was way too young to go. Tom was a great guy, I will miss him very much.
Lori Lambert
May 14, 2004
I worked with Tom at Brammer's. He always made my days brighter. He is a great person and will be missed very dearly. My heart goes out to Tom's family and friends.
Janell Kelley
May 14, 2004
I am so sorry for your loss. I met Tom briefly at Bears training camp a few years ago. I have also chatted with him on the Bears' boards. Tom will truly be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Lewis Demetri
May 14, 2004
My thoughts and prayers go out to Tom and his family. Tom was a special person here, and will continue to be a special person 'on the other side'. His music and spirit will continue to live on. He will never be very far away from the ones he loves.
Bill Oaks
May 13, 2004
I only knew Tom via the BearsMonsters email group, but judging by the entries from his personal acquaintance, he'll be missed by both his local and cyber friends
Give Papa Bear a hug for us, Tom.
Kevin Swier
May 13, 2004
Jane -
I share your deep sorrow on the passing of Tom. Although we have only met briefly and on few occassions, I genuinely regarded Tom and you as friends. Whether sharing our thoughts on the Bears or Thin Lizzy or any of the things Tom and I had in common, Tom was always someone I respected greatly. It was always a pleasure to see you and him at Bears games or at training camp.
Jason Black
May 13, 2004
I am sorry to hear this. I knew Tom through the Internet through a Chicago Bears message board. my family wish condolences to his family..
Stephanie Poston (co-worker of Susan)
May 13, 2004
Susan and family - Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this time of grief. I pray for God's grace and comfort to be with you and that your wonderful memories of Tom will bring you peace.
stephanie bjork
May 13, 2004
I don't know what to say. So I guess I will say the obvious. My heart and prayers go out to Tom's wife and family. Know that there are many people, who you will never know the names of, who will also miss him terribly. The quad city music scene is just a little dimmer today.
Bob Kerns
May 13, 2004
I am so sorry for your loss Jane. Tom was one to always make my trip to the QC's a memorable one. Whether it was laughing or just giving me the pleasure of letting me sing in his band, Tom was one to always make me feel at home away from home. My prayers are with you and your family. God bless you Tom. I will never forget you.
GO BEARS!!!
Stephanie Weaver
May 13, 2004
Jane -
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I know you had a great life together and you will miss him. I just wanted to let you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
denise hendrych
May 13, 2004
I will never forget the very first time that I met you! David already warned me of the crazy antics that you two and Scott had over in England. Also, our road trip to the Perfect Circle concert in Cedar Rapids, calling people by different names, and having hands other then yours in your pants pockets! I have enjoyed the time that i was able to spend with you, and the genorisity of inviting me, Mackenzie and Drew into your home to hang out with you, Jane, Sara Jane, and the rest of the gang. Always remembered and always missed. Denise
CHAD V
May 13, 2004
Tom,
We had some fun times and lots of great memories, especially from your shows last summer. You and Jane and Sarah Jane were a great family and I know they and all of us are going to miss you terribly.
Say hi to Joe for us and get a good jam going.
Peace,
Tammy Montanez (WELLS)
May 13, 2004
I am truely sorry to hear of Tom's passing. He was a great guy. I haven't seen Tom since our graduation night, when he got to take out his Dad's corvette!!! He was such a fun person and a great musician. I used to love to sit and listen to the guys jam after school. I have tons of memories of the concerts we went to together that Tom and John had put together. Remember Ozzy Osborne in Des Moines? Tom was as big a fan of AC/DC as I was and we often had lengthy discussions about Angus and the band. These are just a few of the wonderful memories I have of him. He was a good friend in high school, and will be missed by many.
David Baker
May 13, 2004
I want to express my condolences to Tom's family. We went to high school together, and last ran into eachother a couple of years ago....and were talking about the upcoming 20th West High class reunion. Tom loved music, and we shared a lot of great times talking about bands we both enjoyed. He was a great person and will be missed.
Richard Hebbel
May 13, 2004
Buzz & Sue,
We were so sorry to hear about Tom.
Please accept our deepest condolences.
If there is anything we can do please let us know.
Rich, Cheryl, Dave,& Chris Hebbel
Judy (Puck) Niels
May 13, 2004
Buzz & Susan
I am so sorry to hear about Tom. The last time I saw Tom he was just a little boy delivering my newspaper. Chrys and Dawn would also like to extend their sympathy to you and your family. You are in our prayers.
Debbie Estlund
May 13, 2004
Our hearts & thoughts are with you Buzz & Susan and your family.
Jeff & Debbie Estlund & family
Anne Tucker
May 13, 2004
From the Tucker Family: Our deepest heartfelt sympathy to your family. Jim and Anne Tucker, Trevor and Shelby
Michelle Adams
May 13, 2004
Susan - My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Frank Kraklow
May 13, 2004
Feelings are so hard to express and words difficult to come by when I think of freinds who have passed on.I know that it seems that only the good ones are taken too soon.Donna and I are going to miss you greatly Tom.God bless you,Jane;and you,Sarah Jane during your grief and don't be afraid to lean on us if and when you need to. We are here for you and yours.Our home is your home.To all Toms family and freinds,you have our most sincere sympathys.God Bless you all.
Bonnie Lingner
May 13, 2004
Jane,
What a shock! I have only seen you and Tom a couple of times; the last being Chad's going away party at Blue Cat. I know that one of this world's funniest and happiest people will be missed by all his family and friends. My deepest sympathy to you, Sarah and the rest of Tom's family.
Terence Murphy
May 13, 2004
Tom will be greatly missed by all who's lives he touched in his short stay here. I am very saddened by his passing, yet greatful to have known him. His light burned bright, if only for a while.
Dan McLean
May 13, 2004
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Rock on Tom!
Shannon Jones
May 13, 2004
Susan and Family - So sorry to hear of your loss. May Tom live on forever in your hearts as your guardian angel. God Bless.
Shannon Jones
(Co-worker of Susan at MCI)
Karen Lambert
May 13, 2004
Jane, My heart goes out to you and Sarah Jane and all of Tom's family. If more people were like Tom, this world would be a better place. I will always remember the way he turned an ordinary day at Brammers into a fun, "glad to be here" kind of day. He will be missed deeply by so many. God Bless You, Karen Lambert
EILEEN KROY - RAY
May 13, 2004
Jane,
I am so sorry for your loss. Tom was a very special man who loved his wife and daughter very much. Both you and Sarah Jane are in my prayers.
Brigitte Cesar (Dahl)
May 13, 2004
Thinking of you at this time. God Bless!
Chip Drake
May 13, 2004
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
donna kraklow
May 13, 2004
Dear God...NO, you cannot take Tom. We love him too much. Please, love him as we did. Keep him from hurt and pain. This is very hard. He was the most wonderful husband and father, friend and son. If you must take him from his loved ones, you must use him as a pattern for all other men to live AND learn by. In Jesus' name we pray...help us with the pain and loss. God loves you and so do we. Janie, please know that we love YOU and SARAJANE too. Know that we will be there with you and for you till the end of time. Donna & Frank Kraklow.
Dean & Kelli Bryant
May 13, 2004
Our heartfelt prayers are with the family. We will never forget Tom.
Kelli
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