Rev. Dr. Vance LeRoy Eckstrom, 94, passed away on June 08, 2025, at Riverview Estates in Marquette, KS. Vance was born on March 14, 1931, in Butterfield, MN to parents Carl and Cora (Madison) Eckstrom.
 On November 24th 1953, Vance married Clarice Thorwald in Rock Island, Illinois. He earned a doctor­ate in theology from the Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, and he was a career Lutheran Reverend. Vance was also a dedicated teacher and educator. He served as the past Academic Dean of Bethany College in Lindsborg.
 Vance was preceded in death by is parents; brother: Ivan Eckstrom; and sisters-in-law: Joanne and Tedde Eckstrom.
 Survivors include his wife: Clarice (Thorwald) Eckstrom; son: Brian Eckstrom of Seattle, WA; daughter: Sharon Eckstrom of Lindsborg, KS; brothers: Clinton Eckstrom of Minnesota and Donald Eckstrom of California; grandchildren: Jayden Beasley and Mi­chelle Beasley, both of Lindsborg; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
 A funeral service will be held Tuesday, June 17, 2025, 10:30 AM at Bethany Lutheran Church in Lindsborg, KS, with Pastor Chris Deines, officiating.
 In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bethany Lutheran Church, for use in a scholarship fund at Bethany College. Memorial con­tributions may be sent in care of Crick-Christians Funeral Home, 103 N. Washington, Lindsborg KS 67456.
 Online condolences can be made at www.crick-christiansfuneralhome.com/.
 Funeral arrangements were trusted to Crick-Christians Funeral Home.