Vance G. Erie, 70
Published 5:05 pm Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Vance G. Erie, 70
Vance (Bim) Gordon Erie, 70, of Dexter, Minnesota, passed away on Sunday, April 13, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, following a decades-long fierce battle with complex health issues. Vance lived a full and vibrant life, marked by humor, love, resilience, and a deep dedication to his family, friends, service to others, and the American Legion community. Vance was a 45-year proud American Legion member, where he formed lasting friendships, served countless chicken fries, and loved a good meat raffle.
Born September 11, 1954, in Austin, Minnesota to Willis and Nona (Boe) Erie, Vance was raised with his four sisters in Dexter, Minnesota. He attended Elkton High School, where he met Deb Igou, the love of his life and wife of 52 years. Vance joined the United States Army and was stationed in Fort Leonardwood, Missouri. Following his military service, Vance attended vocational school in Wadena, Minnesota, where he began his career as a plumber, owning and operating Erie Plumbing for many years.
Vance loved nature; fishing, hunting, and traveling the countryside. Vance and Deb took their ever-growing family on annual epic “Up North” trips for 20+ years, where a ridiculously good time was always enjoyed by all. There were many trips with friends, and countless Canada fishing trips with the “good ‘ole boys”.
Vance lived a rich life in service to others. He dedicated countless hours of volunteer craftsmanship to the Sacred Heart Church and the Adams American Legion Post #146, where he spearheaded its museum. He was a master woodworker who handcrafted uniquely beautiful, child play-sized barns, which he always proudly donated to cancer fundraisers and other charities. His entire family’s homes are filled with original pieces from “Bimmer’s Workshop”.
His greatest love was his family: 5 kids, 18 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. Vance was a one-of-a-kind grandpa who inserted humor into his every interaction, often making one wonder who was the grandparent and who was the child.
In his last selfless act, Vance’s decision to donate his body to medical science through the Mayo Clinic’s Anatomical Bequest Program, paid forward the gift(s) of life he had been given through organ donations.
He was preceded in death by his father, Willis Erie and his mother, Nona (Boe) Erie and his father-in-law, Don Igou.
He will be forever loved and missed by his wife, Deb of Dexter; 4 sisters, brothers and sisters-in-law; Janice, Sharon, Ann (Bruce) and Jean of Rochester; Dave (De) Igou of Austin, Rick (Marcia) of Dexter, Dan (Amy) of San Diego, 5 children; Carrie (Perry) King of Minnetonka, Chad of Dexter, Clint (Kathy) of Adams, Cyle (Tiffany) of Stewartville, and Calli (Ryan) Hatton of Rochester, grandchildren; Jocelyn, PJ, Kaitlyn, Christine, Joao (Carrie), Maty, Jayden, Megan (Chad), Cody, Cole, Cullen, Carter (Clint), Ryan, Joshua, Ellery, Bennett (Cyle), Breckin, Geneva (Calli), great-grandchildren; Kora, Korbin (Cody), Leo and Layla (Jayden); many brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A prayer service will be held from 3-4:30 pm on Saturday, April 19th at the Adams Funeral Home followed by military honors by the Adams American Legion Post #146 at the Adams American Legion at 5:00 pm. Following the military honors, everyone is invited to the Adams American Legion for a celebration of Vance’s life.
Interment will be in the Minnesota State Veteran’s Cemetery in Preston at a later date.
In lieu of flowers or memorials, please consider a donation to the Gift of Life Transplant House 705 2nd St SW, Rochester, MN 55902 https://gift-of-life.org/make-a-donation/.
We know this has been long-winded, but so was he.
The Adams Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.