Lance James Fuhrman

Lance James Fuhrman obituary, Mellette, SD

Lance James Fuhrman

Lance Fuhrman Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Spitzer-Miller Funeral Home on Jul. 15, 2025.

Publish in a newspaper

The Celebration of Lance's life will be held at 2:00pm, Thursday, July 31, 2025, at Spitzer-Miller Funeral Home, with Pastor Jon Damaska officiating. Burial at Mellette Cemetery with Military honors. Lance James Fuhrman, 79, of Mesa, AZ, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 12, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.

Born in Aberdeen, SD, Lance lived a life marked by dedication, hard work, faith, and service. A proud Vietnam veteran, he served his country with honor before returning home to pursue his lifelong vocation as a farmer. With a strong work ethic and deep respect for the land, Lance built a legacy rooted in perseverance and love for the rural life.

Lance's commitment to community was evident in his active involvement in his church, where he not only worshiped faithfully but also served in leadership roles on numerous boards over the years. His faith was a guiding light throughout his life both in Mellette, SD and Towerpoint in Mesa, AZ where he wintered for 17 years.

Never one to sit idle, Lance enjoyed a wide range of pastimes. He was an avid card player, a loyal Minnesota Twins fan, and a spirited participant in water volleyball matches that often showcased his competitive streak and sharp sense of humor. He had a passion for horses and was known for breaking them with patience and skill-a talent that led him to participate in rodeos during his younger years.

Lance's warmth, humility, and quiet strength touched many. He will be remembered as a devoted family man, a trusted friend, and a steadfast pillar of his community.

He is survived by the love of his life, Julie Fuhrman, daughter, Jennifer (Ponge) Diouf and grandchildren, Waly, Adama, and Zayden, daughter Launa Fuhrman, daughter Michelle (Michael) Pitts and grandson Mitchell, son Craig (Carrie) Ehrich and grandchildren Crayton and Atley, sister GayLynn (Tom) Shea, brother Terry(Mary) Fuhrman along with several cousins, nieces, nephews, etc.

Preceded in death were his parents, Roy and Margaret Fuhrman, sister, Gloria, and stepson, Jason Carsten.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St Jude Children Hospital in Lance's memory.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Lance Fuhrman's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

July 28, 2025

William Stankey posted to the memorial.

July 19, 2025

Seymour Fehr posted to the memorial.

July 18, 2025

John Maddox posted to the memorial.

William Stankey

July 28, 2025

So sorry to hear that my friend Lance Furman passed. He was a very good neighbor at Towerpoint in Arizona. I will miss him. He was a very good person. Bill Stankey. Michigan

Seymour Fehr

July 19, 2025

Lance was an inspiration to all of us. The world needs more like him. He can never be replaced, we can only try to be more like him. He will be missed by all of us. He work hard and enjoy life, now he can rest in peace. God be with you Lance.

John Maddox

July 18, 2025

Was a great friend and fatefull Squire member who was always thinking about the Kids of the valley and we will miss him.RIP Lance

Diane Oxford

July 18, 2025

Such a helpful, sincere guy. Always with a smile.
He will certainly be missed at Towerpoint.

William Stankey

July 17, 2025

I always respected Lance as a friend, neighbor, and fellow Squire men´s club member at Towerpoint in Arizona. He will be missed! Bill Stankey

Petra Weber

July 17, 2025

From Petra Weber:
Lance was a man of many talents, full of energy to help others, and fun to be around. In Towerpoint, he was involved in many activities. Every day, at 2 pm, he would jump into the pool with a joyful splash like most kids do. Despite his slight vertical challenge and uncooperative shoulder, he was an amazing water volleyball player. These games were not only an athletic event, but also full of laughter. The re-warming in the hot tub provided plenty of time for great conversations between the players. Lance was easy to talk to. He always stopped by my place to make sure I was okay when I was unable to go to the pool. That is what good friends and neighbors do.
All of us will miss him, but Lance won't be forgotten.
Michael and I would like to express our condolences to Julia and the rest of the family. I hope the memories of happy times will be your pillars of support during these hard days to come.
R.I.P., Lance

Joe Kramarz

July 16, 2025

Lance and I were Squires together in Towerpoint Resort, Mesa, AZ Our men´s service group at the park supported our residents for help in whatever they needed. We also supported a local elementary school with supplies and donations. Lance led many of these activities. He was loved by all.

Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results

Spitzer-Miller Funeral Home

1111 South Main, Aberdeen, SD 57401

Make a Donation
in Lance Fuhrman's name

People and places connected with Lance
How to support Lance's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Lance Fuhrman's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Lance Fuhrman's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

July 28, 2025

William Stankey posted to the memorial.

July 19, 2025

Seymour Fehr posted to the memorial.

July 18, 2025

John Maddox posted to the memorial.