C. WAYNE VANCE was born March 14, 1931, in Ray, ND, at the home of his mother’s parents, George and Ida Schaefer. The family moved around quite a lot finding work wherever it was available, as times were tough and work scarce. They moved to the Johnson place in Nesson Valley at thanksgiving time in 1937. It was a tough winter that year, but Wayne’s parents, Carl and Doris, had milk cows and chickens so managed to fare pretty well. Better than some. Wayne started school while living in Kalispell, and when they moved to Nesson Valley he rode horseback to the rural Nesson School, 2 miles south of the farm. Wayne attended two years of high school in Williston, ND. Wayne learned to ride and work with horses from his father. When Wayne and his brother were kids they harnessed a large dog they owned to pull a wagon or sled, rode a pig, along with other antics they could think up. In the winter they skied and rode the toboggan down the hillside. Wayne did not finish high school as his father Carl, smashed his foot in an ice cutting job and was disabled. So from age 16 and on Wayne took over the responsibility of the farm/ranch. Wayne loved horses and rode and broke many to the saddle. Wayne farmed all of his life, but his first love was for the horses and cattle. When Wayne was a kid, he and his father, had the privilege of riding horseback for the dedication of Roosevelt Park at Medora, ND, Wayne being the youngest rider in the group. A big highlight in his life was in 1989 when he went on the big M89 trail drive. This was a celebration of 100 years of Montana being a state and they trailed a herd of longhorns from Roundup to Billings. In 2016 Wayne received the Rancher of the Year awarded by the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association.

Wayne married Marie Hartsoch on June 10, 1951, at the Beaver Creek Church, where they were lifelong members. Throughout their married life both Wayne and Marie worked the farm/ranch and raised four children. They always raised cattle and for about 20 years they raised quarter horses, having their own production sale every year.

Wayne volunteered his time to many organizations. Some of which were, a 4-H leader, Upper Missouri Valley Fair board, MonDak Quarter Horse Association, and Ray Rural Fireman’s Association. He was a member of the M-T Saddle Club, American Quarter Horse Association, and the North Dakota Stockman’s Association. There is probably more I have forgotten about.

Wayne is survived by two daughters, Connie (Les) Tofte and Terry (Russell) Hauge; one son, John Vance; a sister-in-law, Ara Hartsoch; son-in-law, David Kingstad; 10 grandchildren, Gina Kingstad, Clint (Dawn) Kingstad, Linda (Mitch) O’Connor, Brenda (Scott) Foster, Brandon (Stephanie) Tofte, JoAnn Messina, Danielle (Adam) Tofte, Steve (Shannon) Hauge, Kevin (Keri) Hauge, Darrin (LeAndra) Hauge; 28 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Wayne was preceded in death by his wife, Marie; an infant son, Curtis Wayne; daughter, Arlene Kingstad; parents, Carl and Doris Vance; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Lloyd and Olga Hartsoch; brother and sister-in-law, Wally and Sharon Vance; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Arvey and Iona Hartsoch; brother-in-law, Earl Hartsoch; and, nephews, Craig Hartsoch and Arley Hartsoch.

Memorial Contribution