Glenna W.
Vance
- Visitation: Saturday, January 31, 2026 9:00 – 11:00 AM at SOUTHBROOK CHURCH (11010 St. Martins Rd., Franklin, WI 53132)
- Funeral Service: Saturday, January 31, 2026 11:00 AM at SOUTHBROOK CHURCH (11010 St. Martins Rd., Franklin, WI 53132)
- Burial: Saturday, January 31, 2026 1:00 PM at Forest Hill Memorial Park, Oak Creek (Please meet at the cemetery)
Glenna W. Vance
(May 23, 1937 to January 19, 2026)
Glenna Weir Vance left this world unexpectedly January 19, 2026. At 88 Glenna was the primary caretaker for her husband John (Vance) in their home in Franklin WI. She and John spent her last day at the theater, out for a meal and anticipation of a nice dinner the following day with their son and daughter in law.
Glenna was a fiercely independent woman, deeply committed wife, loving sister, and proud mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She is preceded in death by her parents (Glenavon and Mildred Weir, Ashtabula Ohio, brother Carl), Granddaughter (Charity Vance), and grandson (Cameron Vance-Ruffin). She is also preceded by many extended family members.
Glenna is survived by her husband John Vance and her children: Lori Vance (Fred Curzan), Todd and (Kathy) Vance, Janet and (Julian) Parks, Ann and (Mike) Cahill, Jeremy and (Jill) Vance, Nathan Vance, Adam and (Nicole) Vance, Tuyet and (Ken) Ruffin, Glen and (Leah) Vance.
Her Grandchildren: Emily (Peter) Leonhardt, Ian (Jessica Behling) Vance-Curzan, Matthew (Kayla)Vance, Ben (Joanna)Vance, Kaylee (Casey) Emanuel, Christy (Michael) Doskocil, Joseph (Elizabeth) Russ, Jesse Russ, Taylor Hesse, Luke (Jaykie) Hesse, Taylor Cahill, Cody Cahill, Brandon (Katie)Vance, Allison (Ben) Henry, Cara (Eric) Binder, Bethany Vance, Jackson Vance, Christian Vance, Trinity Vance, Diante Vance-Jewett, Ally Vance, and Grace Vance.
Great Grandchildren: Charlotte, Andrew, Khole, Molly, Caleb, Rei, John, Everett, Georgia, Avery, Piper, Roseann, Masyn, Luke, Vance, Hazel, Rory, Audrey, Theodore, and Hugh.
Sister: Jane and (Rich) Planisek, sisters-in-law: Nancy Vance and Jane Vance, brothers-in-law: Tom Vance (Peter Gabel) and many nieces and nephews.
Glenna lived a full and vibrant life all the way! Glenna was born in Ashtabula, Ohio; graduated Edgewood High School in 1955, she often talked about her marching band days playing her clarinet and her work at the bakery next door. After graduation she went on to Fenn College in Cleveland to study nursing. She met her husband John at freshman orientation, they married the following fall, lived in the parsonage of their church while John completed his degree and they had their first child. Pregnant with their second child they relocated to Milwaukee, WI, found their first home in Greendale, and after their 6th child relocated to the ‘farm’ in Franklin, where the youngest three joined their family.
Glenna loved each of her family members in special ways, her commitment to family was strong. She saw each of her children and grandchildren in their uniqueness and sought to maintain connections throughout her life.
At 50 Glenna made a list of her life goals and returned to school at Alverno College. She got a job at Universal Foods, and went on to complete her degree, working in customer relations as ‘Carol Steven’s’ where she wrote cookbooks, created gluten-free bread recipes, and recipes for the newly growing bread machine industry. Her kitchen became a bread machine lab, and every family meal was served with yummy homemade breads. Glenna had a lifelong interest in history, writing, and public speaking. She always found organizations to support her interests, often taking on leadership roles in her engagement.
Glenna had a close relationship with her sister Jane, even though they lived miles apart they made time to visit and to keep close contact through frequent phone calls. Regular connections throughout her life with her in-laws and extended family was important for Glenna. She also kept connected to lifelong friends through book clubs and ‘lovely ladies’ luncheons’ where she enjoyed hosting, planning the menus and preparing the food. Until the end Glenna was known for her snappy outfits and her shoes!!
After both retired, John and Glenna loved to travel, were regular theater and symphony ticket holders and shared their love of this with family and friends. They went on many trips in the United States and Europe. They loved to plan trips that brought in the rich history of the area, food and wine specialties and beautiful scenery. They were able to travel well into their 80’s. When travel was no longer possible, they found special restaurants in the area where, the quality of food and wine was a priority, they ate out frequently and friendships grew with staff and owners.
Glenna was a devout Christian, her faith guided her in the various churches throughout their life, leading women’s bible studies and Sunday school teaching. Since COVID, she and John had a Sunday morning ritual of Virtual church with Elmbrook, followed by watching their son’s sermons.
As Glenna leaves us, we are forever grateful for the memories we share, traditions she created (like singing Johny Appleseed!), the gatherings hosted and so much more. Her legacy lives on through each of us, the importance of family and a life well lived. On her refrigerator was Psalm 118:24 which she quoted often: “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Visitation will take place on Saturday, January 31 from 9:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM at SOUTHBROOK CHURCH (11010 St. Martins Rd., Franklin, WI 53132). Rev. Jonathan Misirian officiating. Burial at Forest Hill Memorial Park, Oak Creek at 1:00 PM (Please meet at the cemetery).
Glenna was my girl scout leader when I was in high school. She was amazing. She drove the trailer with the canoes so that we could practice and compete even though she had no experience driving that big trailer. She was fearless! She took us on many camping trips and to numerous competitions. I’m sure she will be deeply missed by her family and friends. The Vance family has my sympathies. It is so hard to lose your Mom.
Glenna was one of my mother’s closest friends from one of Milwaukee’s suburbs, Greendale. She was one of the kindest and most giving people I’ve ever known. She was always welcoming to the neighborhood kids, and that shown through all the children that passed through the Vance household. I only have found memories of her, and how she made people feel through her Christian beliefs and actions. God bless you, Glenna, and may the Lord continue to protect your family.
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“Auntie Glenna” was and will always be my second mama. She would light up every time she saw me and always told me how proud she was of me. Can only imagine the celebration that occurred Monday night when she and my mom (Marilyn) reunited in Heaven. Can’t wait to hug both of them again someday. ❤️
I met Glenna Vance at the WCC meetings. She was the cutest lady, so friendly and welcoming and had the best outfits. I called in many ‘reservation’ favors to her. And she was absolutely cheerful to me in helping out. I know that she did her best to accommodate, but I also know I was a pain in her side. It got to a point where we called each other ‘bestie’ when we saw or spoke. If I called, I would just tell her, hey, it’s your bestie. She would know exactly who I was. It became our little inside joke. I ran into her and John at a restaurant one evening and we both greeted each other with bestie!! I am stunned and saddened. Glenna was a bright spot for sure.
The Vance’s and the Moynihan’s grew up together two doors’ apart on Oakwood Avenue in Greendale. My mom and “Mrs, Vance” were young mothers together. Each having large families and very similar values and a strong faith. Mrs. Vance said that her and my mom grew up together and they loved each other deeply.
My sister and I recently saw Mrs. Vance (I still couldn’t call her Glenna) and all her children at Ann’s benefit. I knew each of them instantly even though we hadn’t seen each other in a long time. We talked a lot about growing up together – we really felt we had a great childhood – playing outside from dawn until dusk or until the lunch/supper bell rang for us go home – the neighbor baseball/kickball/kick-the-can games, the woods where we climbed tress and played marbles, the musical/band productions for all the neighborhood Moms and several multifamily dinners. And sometimes the difficult times – the time my brother Paul flew over his bike handlebars, had a concussion and ended up in the hospital for several days– Mrs. Vance took over while my mom and dad were at the hospital. There were a several broken bones and noses throughout our childhood – mostly the boys!
Even after the Vance’s’ moved to Franklin, my mom and Mrs. Vance stayed connected. Mrs. Vance was there throughout my mom’s breast cancer diagnoses, and she was so heartbroken when my mom died young at 54. Every time I saw Mrs. Vance throughout the years, she always told me that my mom was her best friend and she missed her. I truly hope that there is a heaven because I know that my mom will be at the gates of heaven waiting for Mrs. Vance with a big hug and a cup of coffee.
It is with profound sadness that I read this morning that my good friend and partner-in-crime, Glenna has left us. Glenna came into my life in the mid 1980’s as Carol Stevens from Red Star. I was marketing and product manager for bread machines at Welbilt. Glenna, Gerry and Brian came to visit with us in NY to see how we could work together. It was obvious from the beginning that Glenna was a powerhouse and a visionary. We connected from day one and soon became colleagues, collaborators and best friends and confidants. We would see each other at least 3-4 times a year and I always wound up spending a few nights at her home in Franklin. Glenna and I ultimately co-authored two best selling cookbooks for Dummies and 20 years later they are still available on Amazon, where her legacy lives on. We spent many weeks together over the years and reading the tribute to her life, opened up a flood gate of memories. I last spoke to Glenna a few weeks ago before Christmas. We spoke about getting together again soon with me making a visit to Milwaukee. We will have to meet again at a later time. Until then I leave you, my dear friend, with my gratitude and love. My sincere condolences to the Vance family.
I remember going to Glenna and John’s house as a little boy to play with Nathan and Jeremy. There was always an adventure to be found, so much fun. Glenna was so loving to everyone she met, just like you were one of her kids. Glenna and John were lifelong friends to my mom and dad (Harry and Elaine Stewart), My twin (who passed away) was named Vance, after my mom’s best friends last name, now my son is named Vance. I have always remembered the great friendship our families shared. She kept in touch even after we moved to Louisiana in 1976 when my dad was called to be a pastor. Great folks, great memories, I can see in my mind mom and Glenna having a cup of coffee in heaven catching up and rejoicing with their Savior!
Glenna, led several women’s Bible Studies in her home. I attended one of them for a number of years. Glenna was able to make God’s Words live as we studied. She and I also shared a love of gardening and often shared plants and pots.
Glenna will be greatly missed.
It was my good fortune to meet Glenna and her family in the early 1970’s. I had the privilege of getting to know all of her children in their growing years. My connection to each of you has forever been a treasure! Glenna was a dear and special friend to me, and also to my family. Warm memories are plentiful and wonderful for me to recall. My wholehearted sympathy to all of you! I’m praying that God would give you strength and comfort as you weave through these sad days! Love always, Sue
I am so sorry for your loss. God bless Glenna 🙌
John and Glenna were regulars at Caterina’s every Monday night. I had only been working there part-time for about a year and a half, yet we quickly grew close. Around that same time, I would go to Franklin weekly for an appointment, and happened to drive past their beautiful home. I mentioned this the next Monday that I saw them, and Glenna immediately invited me to join them for lunch the next time I was in the area.
She prepared a thoughtful, memorable meal, and we spent the afternoon sharing stories. It truly made my day—and I know it meant just as much to them. In the summer, after I returned from Greece, Glenna insisted I come by again to share photos and memories from the trip (and she even made a Greek chicken dish). I learned a lot about Glenna and her family over our shared meals, and I’ll always hold a special place in my heart for those moments.
Every time I saw her, she asked about my real estate business, always smiling ear-to-ear and truly excited for me. I will always remember Glenna as generous, strong, and incredibly kind. I am so deeply sorry for your loss.