Lance R. Penfield

Lance Penfield, age 62, passed away on October 13, 2025, in Omaha, Nebraska.
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Lance was both born and passed away at the University of Nebraska Medical Center-Clarkson Tower (formerly Clarkson Hospital). He was born on November 27, 1962, to Roland and Delores (Hutter) Penfield. Lance attended Springfield-Platteview through 10th grade and graduated from South Sioux City High School, Class of 1981. While at South Sioux City, he met his high school sweetheart, Diane Poss.
After high school, Lance attended the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, graduating in 1986 with a degree in geology. Lance and Diane were married on August 30, 1985, in South Sioux City. Together they built a beautiful life, living in Lincoln for nine years, Columbus for three years, Jefferson for four years, and finally settling in Elk Point, South Dakota, in 2002.
Throughout his career, Lance worked for HWS in Lincoln, the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality, Nebraska Public Power District, and finally Prince Manufacturing in North Sioux City, where he dedicated the past thirty years. Although, some of Lance's favorite (work) stories came from his younger years as manager of Burger King in Lincoln, where he often joked that "the fries went downhill after I left."
He loved coaching his kids' sports teams and left a lasting impression on many young players over the years. Lance also enjoyed playing recreational sports with friends and coworkers, proudly continuing his tradition of "old man basketball" right up until the present. He could often be found golfing, fishing, hunting, shooting fireworks, or working on one of his many projects - as well as everyone else's. Alongside the Wurtz family of Elk Point, Lance helped plan and execute the city's fireworks show for many years, a display known and admired by pyrotechnics across the country.
He loved walking into the local bars and aspired to be like Norm from Cheers - "where everybody knows your name."
Lance was instrumental in many major Elk Point projects, including the construction of Immanuel Lutheran Church, The Pointe Golf and Event Center, and the Elk Point Swimming Pool. He also served the community for several years on the Elk Point City Council, most recently as its president.
Above all, Lance cherished time with his children and young grandchildren, sharing with them his humor, wisdom, and beloved "Lance-isms."
Lance is survived by his loving wife, Diane Penfield, of Elk Point; children, Shelby (Ricky) Martina, Devan (Troy) Donnelly, and Connor (Kalene) Penfield, all of Elk Point; and his five precious grandchildren whom he adored - Shay Martina, Tripp and Raya Donnelly, and Brecken and Blaire Penfield. He is also survived by his sister, Lynn (Dale) Bowder of Lincoln, Nebraska; brother, Rod (Roxann) Penfield of Jacksonville, Florida; step-brother, Les (Sherry) Busch of Evanston, WY; and step-sister, Kathleen (Tom) Drevs of Colorado Springs, CO; many nieces and nephews; and his family dog who kept him on his toes, Willson.
He was preceded in death by his father, Rolland Penfield and mother, Delores Penfield; stepmother, Peggy Penfield; sister, Robyn Maycock; parents-in-law, Lester and Annette Poss; and beloved family dog, Rizzo.
Lance's larger-than-life personality, quick wit, and endless generosity left a mark on everyone he met. He lived fully, loved deeply, and gave selflessly - always ready with a helping hand, a good story, or a laugh that filled the room. His presence will be missed beyond measure, but his spirit will live on in the countless lives he touched.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be directed to Immanuel Lutheran Church, 607 West Main Street, Elk Point, SD 57025