Lance Reed

Lance Robert Reed, 84, passed away into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at the Americare Lodge in Grand Rapids, Minnesota on January 22, 2026.

Lance was born on November 6, 1941, to Robert and Dorothy (Halling) Reed at the Kaufman Hospital in Appleton, Minnesota. His family moved to Cass Lake, Minnesota when Lance was 10 years old. Lance graduated from Cass Lake High School on May 28, 1958. Just four days later he joined the United States Air Force with his best friend Muryl Davis under the "Buddy System". It was often laughed about that he saw his buddy once in his tenure with the Air Force. Lance spent one year state side and then was deployed to Germany for three years. While in Germany, he became an accomplished skier and was selected to join a sharpshooter gun club. He considered it a great accomplishment to have taught his daughter to be an excellent markswoman enthusiastically involved in the Itasca Gun Club. Upon returning home from the service Lance started college and worked as a bus and truck driver to pay his tuition. He graduated from Bemidji State College with a double major in Industrial Arts in August 1971. After graduating from college Lance tried his hand at teaching but knew this was not his calling. He decided that he would go back to school for a degree in aviation. Lance held many positions in his aviation career; agricultural spraying, firefighting, cargo transport, charter operations, arial surveying, and working as a commercial pilot for the Johanneson Corporation.

Lance and Cindy (Lyons) Reed were united in marriage on February 22, 1969, at the Alliance Church in Cass Lake, Minnesota. They were married nearly 57 years. They were blessed with two children, Eric (Leslie)Reed, Paula (Michael)Johnson, six grandchildren Adam (Lillie)Reed, Joshua (Emily)Johnson, Jacob Johnson, Chavez (Lillie)Reed, Harley (Christine)Reed, Maddie Hanson and four great-grandchildren Wyatt and Chloe Johnson, Hudson Reed, and Branson Reed.

Lance was always the kind of guy that gave his all for anything he loved, his family, his friends, his job, his hobbies, and his Savior the Lord Jesus Christ. Lance and Cindy loved to travel and camp out. Lance rode his beloved Harley until the first snowstorm and took it out in March to give it a trial run. He could repair or build anything in his woodshop and if he couldn't find the proper tool, he would invent one. He was an avid reader and would often find a favorite author and have the librarian hold books until he had read them all. He loved doing crossword puzzles and was proud of having an extensive vocabulary. In his later years he spent many hours with his best friend Muryl Davis, recollecting memories of their childhood, hunting, and motorcycle trips.

Lance lived a life marked by integrity, kindness, and steadfast devotion to God and his family. He was always willing to help others and offer them encouragement. His faith guided every step of his journey and was evident in the way he loved and served those around him. We rejoice in the promise of eternal life and find comfort knowing he is now at peace reunited with the God he served.

A memorial service will be held in the Spring.