Donald Dean Crance

Donald Dean Crance, 83, of Malta, Idaho went to meet his heavenly maker on March 5, 2005. Dean was born to Glenn and Mildred Wingate Crance December 26, 1921 in Timber Lake, South Dakota. He graduated from Northern State College in Aberdeen, South Dakota, with a Masters Degree in education. He taught school for several years and enjoyed teaching. Dean also worked as a carpenter, electrician, woodworker and mechanic through the years. Dean’s other interests included hunting, photography, traveling, playing the fiddle and mandolin, square dancing, outdoor activities and spending time with his grandchildren who called him “Mr. Fix-it.” He married Roberta Gelder June 16, 1955, in Bathgate, North Dakota. Later in life Dean purchased land and a home where he resided in Malta, Idaho for twenty years. Dean was preceded in death by his wife, daughter Alice, granddaughter Alyssa, his brother Baird and his parents. He is survived by daughters, Cheryl (Ron) Messenger of Rigby, Idaho, Laura (Tim) Clarke of Rosenberg, Texas; and Deanna (Bill) Struble of Thayne, Wyoming. Four grandchildren, Misty (Brian) Erickson of Rigby, Idaho, Jeri (Tim) Ales of Jackson, Wyoming, Stephen and Matthew Clarke of Rosenberg, Texas; three great-grandchildren, his sister Grace (Carl) Idland of Belgrade, Montana as well as several friends and other relatives. Graveside services are planned for a later date with burial in Bathgate, North Dakota.