MILDRED (Nanny) LANCE

The funeral Mass for Mildred (Nanny) Lance will be conducted at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Francis Catholic Church in Rochester. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Mildred, 93, died the evening of May 23rd surrounded by her family.

She was born on March 16, 1918 to Julius and Loretta Gessner and spent her early years on a dairy farm outside of Theilman, MN with her four sisters and two brothers. She attended Country School and graduated from McKale High School in Lake City, MN. She went on to Beauty School and worked as a beautician at the Kahler Hotel and later worked in Plainview.

Mildred married Leslie Lance on September 26, 1942 in Rochester. They had eight children: Mary Ann (Dick) Carpenter, Patricia (Joe) Endrizzi, Rita (Mike) Rounds, Jeanne (Bob) Stoneman, Rose (Austin) Cushman, Ned (Ann) Lance, Tom (Amy) Lance and Charlie (Debbie) Lance. They were further blessed with 24 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren, who affectionately knew her as Nanny. She is survived by a sister, Helen McGrath and a brother, Alan Gessner.

Throughout her life, in addition to raising eight children, she was actively involved with her husband in the day-to-day operation of Lance Plumbing and Heating. She also worked part time at the Rochester Post Bulletin. Mildred was an active member of St. Francis Catholic Church for 62 years. She spent many years as a member of the Eastwood Ladies Golf League.

Preceding her in death was her husband, Les, and her beloved daughter, Patty. She will be profoundly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday in the River Park Chapel at  Macken Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.

Memorials are suggested to the St. Francis Catholic Church Endowment Fund.