John Thomas Vancas was born January 5, 1954, to Francis and Muriel Vancas in Deadwood. John was the youngest of four and grew up in Deadwood with siblings, David, Mark, and Carol.

John enlisted in the US Army in 1971 and served until 1975.

In October of 1974, John met his wife, Joette Rae Burrer. They were married August 5, 1975. To this union, they welcomed three children: Tracy, Stacy, and Mark. John worked at Homestake Mine in Deadwood until they closed their doors in 1998. After that, he went to driving truck; a job that he enjoyed very much. After years of hard work, John retired in 2017. In his free time, John enjoyed camping, fishing, bowling, throwing horseshoes, and spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren.

John, 64, Whitewood, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Monday, March 26, 2018, at Lead Deadwood Regional Hospital.

John is survived by his wife, Joette Vancas, Whitewood; children, Tracy Silvernail, Belle Fourche, Mark Vancas, Nisland, and Stacy (Bub) Harrison, Fruitdale; sister, Carol Papka, Dahlonega, GA; brother, David (Florence) Vancas; grandchildren, Shelby (Tanner) Hughes, Whitewood, Anthony Melbye, Spearfish, Mercedes Harrison, Belle Fourche, and Trevor Harrison, Fruitdale.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Muriel Vancas; brother, Mark Vancas; and great-granddaughter, Tynslee Faye Hughes.

Visitation will be Friday, March 30, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 31, 2018, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Whitewood with Pastor David Baer officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery near Deadwood.

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