Raymond "Stan" Vance

1928 - 2025

Raymond "Stan" Vance

Dec 23, 1928 - Aug 6, 2025

Raymond Stanley Vance, 96, of Munster, IN, died at his home on August 6, 2025.

Stan was born in Hammond, IN on December 23, 1928 to the late Byron and Mary Vance.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Edna Vance, as well as his brother Al Vance and sister, Norma Stamm.

In addition, Stan outlived many other beloved relatives and friends.

He is survived by his daughter, Mary Ubuntu (Steve) and his son, David Vance (Terri) as well as his granddaughter, Emily, grandson, Philip, and great-granddaughter, Isabelle.

Many other nieces and nephews also survive him and carry his memory and love forward.

Stan graduated from Hammond High in 1946. He enlisted in the army and served in Japan until he was honorably discharged in 1948. Stan then attended the University of Illinois, majoring in management and data processing. He graduated in 1952. His working career was all spent at NIPSCO where he creatively helped automate the company, overseeing the move from manual to computer recording and billing.

Stan and Edna were married at and attended Covenant Presbyterian in Hammond and later, Westminster Presbyterian in Munster. Faith was always important to Stan, not just the words that go with it, but the living out of that faith in generosity and service to others. He kept in touch with people and visited his "old" friends who lived in nursing homes, often taking them for rides to let them know they mattered. He helped pick up groceries and delivered meals to those who were homeless.

This kind of generosity and care was especially seen in the way Stan loved his family. He did his best to keep abreast of all the news about their various accomplishments, special events, health concerns, and children. He was up to date on current events and was not shy to share his opinions about how those in leadership could do better to make this a more just and honorable country.

Stan and Edna purchased a lake house in Angola, IN after his retirement from NIPSCO and hosted many gatherings of family and friends over the years. The food and fellowship were excellent, and Stan was always up for a good boat ride or fishing trip.

His was a life well-lived. He will be remembered with love.

A service celebrating Stan's life will be held on Thursday, September 4 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 8955 Columbia Avenue, Munster, IN. Visitation will be at the church from 11-1, with the service from 1-2. Committal at Elmwood Cemetery will follow for those who wish to attend and then a meal will be prepared and served back at the church. All are welcome. If you are unable to attend, the service will be live-streamed.

If any wish to give a memorial in Stan's honor, the family suggests they be given to Westminster Presbyterian Church or to Honor Flight Network, info@honorflight.org.