Edward “Ed” LaVance, age 79, of 606 1st Avenue South died Friday afternoon February 24, 2006, at his home in Escanaba.

Ed was born in Manistique, the son of Robert and Marion (Toennessen) LaVance.  He was raised in Manistique and attended the Germfask schools.  In August of 1944, Ed enlisted in the United States Navy.  He attended and graduated from radar school in Pearl Harbor in August of 1945 becoming an S1 Radar Signalman.  Ed was stationed at the U.S. Naval Operating Base in Subic Bay, Philippines during his enlistment and served on the USS George DE-697 Destroyer Escort during WWII.  Throughout his enlistment, Ed received the World War II Victory Medal, American Theatre Medal, Asiatic Pacific Theatre Medal with one star and the Philippine Independence Ribbon for his successful service to his country.  Ed was honorably discharge from the U.S. Navy in September of 1949 for a total of 4 years, 9 months and 1 day of active enlistment.  Following his enlistment, Ed moved to Milwaukee, WI and remained there until 1958 before moving back to Manistique.  After relocating to Manistique, Ed gained employment for the Department of Agriculture U.S. Forest Service (Hiawatha National Forest) where he worked in various positions before moving to Escanaba where he acquired the position as fleet manager over the U.S. Forest Service fleet throughout the U.P.  Ed retired from the U.S. Forest service after 25 years of employment.  On December 11, 1987, Ed married the former Colleen Marra in Minnesota and together the couple made their home in Escanaba where they have resided since.  Ed was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping.  Ed loved bowling and spending time in his garage working on his cars and boats.    
Survivors include:  Ed’s wife of 18 years, Colleen

4 Sons:  Ed (Delois) LaVance of Stuttgart, AR; Glenn (Linda) LaVance of Manistique, MI; Mike LaVance of Cody, WY; Sean LaVance of Escanaba, MI

3 Daughters:  Rita Barbeaux of Manistique, MI; Colleen LaVance of Manistique, MI; Shelly (Kevin) Tichelaar of Hermansville, MI

1 Brother:  Joe (Rita) LaVance of Manistique, MI

1 Sister:  Barbara (Mac) McClennan of Superior, WI

Also listed within the surviving family are 11 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.  Among the surviving grandchildren are granddaughters, Hope, Chelsea, Rayannon and Rachelle and grandsons, Lucas and Brian. 

In addition to his parents, Robert and Marion, 2 brothers, Ken and Harry Toennessen, preceded Ed in death. 
 
Family will receive friends on Tuesday from 1:00PM to 3:00PM at the Skradski-Boyce Funeral Home in Escanaba.  Funeral services celebrating the life of Edward LaVance will follow visitation, at 3:00PM, at the Skradski-Boyce Funeral Home, with Fr. Rick Courier of the St. Thomas St. Anthony Catholic Church officiating.  Military rites/committal will follow on Wednesday, at 10:00AM, at the Gardens of Rest Cemetery, by the Delta County Veterans Council.  The Skradski-Boyce Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the LaVance family with arrangements.