Daniel James Lance, a resident of West Valley City, Utah, peacefully left this world surrounded by his loved ones on May 21, 2026, at the age of 87.
Danny, as he was lovingly known by his family, was born on May 5, 1939, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Noel Jefferson and Iris Olverson Lance. He graduated from Idaho Falls High School with the Class of 1957.
Mission & Military Service
Following graduation, Dan was called by President David O. McKay to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Houston Texas Gulf States Mission from 1959 to 1960.
Upon returning home, Dan proudly served in the United States Navy from 1960 to 1964. During basic training, he was voted “Outstanding Recruit” and later served as a Storekeeper aboard the USS Hancock, managing inventory control for 21 stores on the aircraft carrier before receiving his honorable discharge.
Marriage & Family
Dan’s greatest lifelong accomplishment began on May 24, 1963, when he was sealed to his sweetheart, Pearl Luanne Lance, in the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple. Together they shared 58 beautiful years of marriage built upon love, faith, and devotion.
Career & Work Ethic
Dan dedicated more than 40 years to grocery retail and management. His career included work with Boozer Oil, Slusser Wholesale Company, and Safeway Stores Inc., where he received the “Exceptional Achievement” award in 1984 for his commitment to excellence.
In 1991, Dan became the owner and manager of A&A Market, where he continued working faithfully until his retirement in 2016.
Life & Legacy
Dan was an adventurous spirit who loved the outdoors and treasured spending time with his family, especially on fast-flowing rivers catching enormous amounts of fish.
A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Dan faithfully served in many church callings throughout his life. He was deeply charitable and found great joy in helping ease both the temporal and spiritual burdens of others. He was a loyal friend, a compassionate neighbor, and a man who genuinely loved people.
Survivors
Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Noel and Iris Lance; his beloved wife, Pearl Luanne Lance; his daughter, Mindy Lynn Lance; and siblings Jack Lance, Annie Carrig (his twin sister), Roy Lance, and Nancy Pitcher.
He is survived by his three sons and their families: Daniel J. Lance Jr. and his wife Holly of Washington, along with grandchild Teiha (Inderpreet) Ahluwalia; Terry Lance and his wife Amelia of Illinois, along with grandchildren Kristen Fairbank, Kayla (Tanner) Dunn, and Joseph (Lindsey) Lance; and Mark Lance and his wife Michelle of Utah, along with grandchildren Jayden (Rachel) Lance, Annalynn (Ethan) Fowlks, Evan (Hanah) Lance, Eric Lance, and Logan Lance.
He also leaves behind five cherished great-grandchildren; his siblings Sharon Sundelin, Bonnie (Calvin) Miller, JR (Pat) Lance, Mike (Laura) Lance; his brother-in-law Mike Pitcher; and many loving nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Funeral Services
A viewing will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:50 a.m. at the Arco Ward House, located at 701 Country Road, Arco, Idaho 83213.
A service of remembrance will follow at 10:00 a.m.
Interment will take place at Fielding Memorial Cemetery in Idaho Falls, Idaho, at 2:30 p.m.
Services are under the care of Anderson Family Funeral Home of Arco.
Those wishing to remember Dan may send condolences to:
6644 W. Orchard Hills Way
West Valley City, UT 84128
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