Richard E. Lance

Richard E. Lance, 82, a resident of Fergus Falls, died on Tuesday, October 20, 2015, at Lake Region Healthcare in Fergus Falls.

Richard was born June 18, 1933, in Gentilly, MN, the son of Edmond and Grace (Pateneaude) Lance. He grew up in Gentilly and graduated from Cathedral High School in Crookston, MN, in 1950. In November of 1950, Richard entered the United States Navy and served in the Korean War on the USS Spinax. He was honorably discharged in 1955.

On July 23, 1955, he married Doris Johnston at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Grand Forks, ND. Following their marriage, the couple lived in Minneapolis, while Richard attended Dunwoody Institute. He had an active and successful career in the mobile home industry, working as president and general manager for Horizon Homes in Portland, IN, for 14 years and then as general manager for Friendship Homes in Montevideo from 1982 to 1997. As recognition for his successful career, he was elected to the Manufactured Housing Association’s Hall of Fame. Upon his retirement they moved to Underwood, MN.

He was a member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Fergus Falls and formerly a member of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Battle Lake. He was a talented woodworker and enjoyed his time golfing at Thumper Pond and playing cribbage with his brother-in-law, George.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Edmond and Grace; wife, Doris, who died in 2001; siblings, James, Margaret, Mildred and infant siblings, Mary, Lloyd and William.

Survivors include his two daughters, Catherine (Cliff) Yates of Indianapolis, IN; Susan (Paul) Hart of Columbus, IN; four sons, Daniel (Carole) Lance of Hartland, WI, John (Karen) of Geneva, IL; David Lance of Sartell, MN; Thomas (Gift) Lance of Indianapolis, IN; 14 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; sister, Judy (George) Drew of Ottertail, MN; sister-in-law, Colleen Crow of East Grand Forks, MN and a cousin, Mike (Janie) Charchenko of Benson, AZ.

Memorials preferred to DAV.org

Visitation: 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, October 24, 2015 at the church.
Memorial Service: 11 a.m. Saturday, October 24, 2015 at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, Battle Lake.
Clergy: Father LeRoy Schik
Military Participation: Underwood American Legion
Burial: Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Cemetery, Battle Lake, MN
Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls is in charge of the arrangements.