William Vance Dovenbarger III

William Vance Dovenbarger III (Vance), 65, of Golden Valley, Minnesota, passed away on December 15, 2025. Vance was born on February 27, 1960, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Dr. William "Bill" and Elizabeth "Betty" Dovenbarger.
Vance pursued his creative interests through both food and photography. He attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he earned his bachelor's degree, before following his passion for food to Paris. There, he completed his Grand Diplôme in Culinary Arts at Le Cordon Bleu, an experience that shaped his worldview and deepened his lifelong love of French culture. France held a special place in his heart, and he often spoke of it as a place he longed to return to and one day call home.
Cooking was one of Vance's most natural expressions of care. He loved feeding people, gathering neighbors and friends around the table, and sharing what he had made, especially fresh bread, pastries, and French cuisine. His kitchen was a place of generosity, experimentation, and joy.
Vance was also a gifted photographer, and his work reflected a thoughtful eye and a love of storytelling. His travels and creative pursuits took him far beyond home, including a mission trip to Ghana with Children's Surgery International, where he documented the organization's life-changing work through photography. Whether behind a camera or in the kitchen, Vance approached his craft with patience, intention, and respect for his subject.
Vance was formerly married to Brooke Barney, and together they had a son, William (Will), who was the light of his life. Being Will's father was Vance's greatest joy and proudest role. He shared with him the gifts he knew best: a love of cooking, an appreciation for photography, a curiosity about the world, and time spent outdoors. They had recently taken a trip out West to Yellowstone and Badlands National Parks. Through these moments, Vance taught Will how to observe carefully, create thoughtfully, and savor both simple and meaningful experiences.
Vance is survived by his beloved son, Will Dovenbarger; his sister, Diane Meissner; his brother, Eric Dovenbarger and wife Cynthia; and his stepmother, Jane Dovenbarger. He is further survived by many nieces and nephews, and a close circle of friends who meant a great deal to him, and who will remember him for his quiet warmth, creativity, and generous spirit.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Bill and Betty Dovenbarger; his brother, Kurt Dovenbarger; and his brother-in-law, Jerry Meissner.
A celebration of Vance's life will be held at the Edina Country Club, 5100 Wooddale Avenue, Edina, Minnesota, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2026, with a memorial program starting at 2:00 p.m.