"Deepest sympathy to Julie and family. Thinking of you at this difficult time. Ron and Beverly Hummel, Ankeny (parents of Renae)"
In loving memory of
Vance Clark Weltha
January 28, 1965 - July 25, 2020
Vance Clark Weltha, a loving husband, father, and community servant, answered his last call on Saturday, July 25th, 2020 at the age of 55. A visitation will be held Thursday, July 30, 2020 from 4:00 - 7:00 P.M. at the Baxter Community Center in Baxter, Iowa. Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 31,2020 at 10:00 A.M. at the Neil Seales Sports Complex, 309 W. Station Street, in Baxter. Burial will follow at Restland Cemetery in Baxter.
Vance was born on January 28, 1965 in Ames, IA to Clark and Sharon (Williams) Weltha. Vance attended Ames High School and the School of Criminal Justice at DMACC, he worked a long career using his hands - he was incredibly gifted mechanically and was a plumber by nature. He worked the past twenty years for the City of Altoona. He also served the communities he lived in as a volunteer member of the Ankeny Fire Department (1989-2005), Altoona Fire Department (2006-2014), Baxter Rural Fire Department (2008-2020) and also as a Reserve Deputy to the Jasper County Sheriff (2014-2020). On July 15, 1989, he married Julie Anne (McGuire) Weltha. Together, they raised two children, Clayton and Amber. Vance lived a life of family, integrity and service.
Vance spent much of his free time in recent years cheering on his two children in their successful academic and athletic careers. He cheered Clayton on as an All-District member of the Collins-Maxwell-Baxter Football, as a two-time state qualifier for the CMB Track team, and later as a member of the Wartburg College Football team. He spent countless weekends cheering for Amber's travel volleyball teams (Iowa Heart, IPVA), and cheered her on as she became an All-District and All-State member of the Baxter Volleyball team. He was looking forward to traveling to Amber's games this Fall as a member of the Coe College Volleyball team. He raised both to be leaders, which they've demonstrated as Captains of their various teams and by Clayton in his early career successes.
Vance had a passion for serving others. He was often the first person to call in a time of need across countless friends, family and colleagues - whether it was fixing a sink or a car or pulling someone out of a ditch. Vance extended his service into the communities he lived in. He was a fireman for several years in Ankeny, Altoona and Baxter, as well as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in the same communities, and more recently a Sheriff's Reserve Deputy as well as a member of the Medical Response Team in Jasper County, IA. He was proud to serve side by side with Clayton in the Baxter Rural Fire Department as a member of the Fire Service and EMS Unit.
Vance found joy in his hobbies, included sitting by the water with Julie, boating, fishing, bonfires, and target / trap shooting with his gun collection. He was looking forward to dedicating more time to these joys in his retirement.
Vance was preceded in death by his father, Clark, and his mother, Sharon.
He is survived by his wife, Julie, his children Clayton and Amber, his brother Paul (Anne), his in-laws Bruce McGuire, Dianne (Egli/McGuire) & Ski Hendricks, Kellie (Gary) Welter, Andrew (Laura) McGuire, 10 adoring nieces & nephews and several extended family members.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Vance Weltha memorial fund.
Fredregill Funeral & Cremation Care has been entrusted with the care of Vance and his family.
Tributes
"My sincere condolences for your loss. Please find comfort in knowing that our Heavenly Father has promised we will see loved ones again. Acts 24:15 with heartfelt sympathy. "
"I remember being over to the house down in the basement where Paul and I would play Ted Nugent cat scratch fever and stranglehold one Of many albums Vance Had you be greatly missed brotherMy heart and condolences to the family and definitely prayers"
"So sorry to hear of his passing. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers."
"Julie, Clayton and Amber , we are thinking of each of you. We are remembering Vance with his gentle giant ways, his ability to always be there for all of us the community the parents of the kids on your teams or that you all played with when Braydon broke his leg he was there, when little girls get nervous to come play dolls at birthday parties and play dress up he made it ok years ago. You all are with us in our thoughts and prayers. He will be very missed and his memories and stories shared . Thinking of all of you. ??"
"Our prayers and sympathies are extended to the friends and family of Vance Weltha."
"Julie, I am praying for you and your family for comfort during this difficult loss. ...sometimes people do not care about how much you know...until they know how much you care... Just know your Wells Fargo Family cares! Stay strong and may the Lord provide spiritual peace and many blessings. - James C Taylor III (San Antonio, TX)."
"My deepest sympathy. As the days go by, I hope you find comfort and support in the people that surround you and the wonderful memories you carry in your heart. You and your family will be in my prayers. Take care ~ Stacey Goldsberry"
"Your family was a highlight for my mother, Shirley Van Slyke, before her death.. I am so sad for you, my father died at 57... Vance was way too young, but you will always know he is with God and will always have LOVE and never, ever suffer. Jeri Van Slyke Tracy"
"So sorry to hear about Vance. My heart goes out to you and the kids. You guys always had a special place in my heart. From the time the kids were babies, I knew they would grow up to be leaders with a dad like Vance. Thoughts and prayers to all. "
"Our heartfelt condolences to all who loved Vance. We were close friends of his Uncle Conley & Aunt June and also knew his dad Clark well. Prayers for peace as your wonderful memories warm your hearts through this sad time. God bless. Steve&Margaret Westvold"