Vance Zehringer

Age 85, of Elk River, died suddenly on Oct 21, 2023 with his beloved family by his side.

He was born on March 13, 1938 in Clinton, MN to Vernon and Ruth (Martinson) Zehringer.  He graduated from high school in 1956 and went on to graduate from South Dakota State University with a BA in Science in 1961.  Upon graduation, Vance moved to Hutchingson, MN and took a position teaching high school science classes at Silver Lake, MN for the next 15 years.  He also taught drivers education classes to over 1000 students!  While living in Hutchinson Vance met Elizabeth “Betty” French, of Red Lake Falls, MN and they married in 1965.  They had two children, Mitchell and Nicole.

In 1977, Vance moved the family to Elk River, MN when he accepted a position with the United Power Association.  He retired in 1999 as Manager of their Energy Management Division. He worked with manufacturers to get affordable heating and cooling equipment and water heaters into homes throughout the cooperative service areas in Minnesota to reduce the electrical demand. He traveled extensively to promote energy conservation programs and was well respected for his knowledge and leadership in this field. Upon Retirement, he opened his own Energy Consultant firm and served as Interim General Manager of Elk River Municipal Utilities, Chairman of the Energy City Commission, and he continued to be involved in the Electrical Power and Research Institute.

Vance was very active within the Elk River community volunteering his time and talents with the Orono Lake Improvement Association, Habitat for Humanity, and especially active at Elk River Lutheran Church. Vance was an inaugural inductee into the Three Rivers Community Foundations Hall of Fame in 2008.  Over his lifetime, Vance enjoyed many hobbies, including piloting small aircrafts, collecting/working on collectible cars, serving as captain of countless pontoon tours of Orono Lake, and spending as much time as possible with his family and friends.  

Vance is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Betty; sister, Mona (Dave) Kohl; son, Mitch (Paula); nieces and nephews Janelle, Kim, and Greg; grandchildren, Sam, Joe, Sarah, Tyler, Melissa, Katie, Zach, Garrett; great grandchildren; Milo and Atlas.

He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Jeanne Lou; daughter, Nicole; nephews, Tony, Scott, and David.

Funeral visitation is at 10 am and service at 11 am with luncheon to follow on Sat, Oct 28, 2023 at Elk River Lutheran Church, 729 Main St, Elk River.  

***The livestream can be accessed by clicking the blue button below this obituary at the time of service.***

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