Lance E. Vercelline

Lance Vercelline, much beloved husband, father, and friend passed away September 1, 2021 at age 79. He is survived by wife Nancy (Nelson); daughters, Paige Vercelline (Guy Scott) and Penny Vercelline (Peter Korslund); brothers-in-law, Robert (LaRae) Nelson, Glen (Marilyn) Nelson; and many loving nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by mother, Margaret (Reid) and Leonard Stevens; father, Jack Vercelline; sister and brother-in-law, Doris (Nelson) and Bruce Piper; and sister-in-law, Marilyn Nelson. Lance was known to his family and friends as an open-hearted redhead with a warm smile and easy humor. He met the love of his life, Nancy, in geometry class at Central High School in Duluth, Minnesota, in 1958. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business from the University of Minnesota-Duluth. Afterwards, he and Nancy married in 1965. Together they set out for Colorado, eventually settling in Pueblo. Soon after, daughters Paige (1968), and Penny (1971), came along. An accountant by education, Lance had an entrepreneur’s vision, and he went into business for himself as owner/operator of Stoehr Cleaners in 1972. Forward looking and optimistic, he, along with Nancy, expanded the business with locations across Pueblo, Pueblo West, and Canon City. After being in business for 44 years, they retired in 2016. Lance also engaged in multiple side projects over the years. He was involved with the community of Pueblo, and was a member of many local boards and organizations. In 1999, he realized his lifelong dream of living in the mountains, when he and Nancy moved to Beulah. There, he loved the serenity of the forest, raising horses and litters of puppies, as well as shoveling plenty of snow. Lance and Nancy maintained their connection to their roots and family in Minnesota lake country. Many summer days found him happily driving their RV across the midwest, singing along to Tom T. Hall, with boat in tow, heading for some Great Lakes family fun. An avid golfer since his teens, he spent countless happy days on the golf course, joking around and competing fiercely with his buddies. Lance brought his smile and humor to swim meets, Canadian fishing trips, golf games, all night blackjack in Vegas, and especially dinners with his family and friends. He was always curious and supportive of his children’s ventures, whether artistic, athletic, personal, or professional. During his long course of cancer treatment, he had an amazing ability to take it all in stride, all the while looking forward to the future, and doing the things he enjoyed. He believed it was important to work hard, to be good to the people around you, and to always take time to enjoy this life, whatever the circumstances. He will be remembered and missed by all those who knew and loved him. Donations can be made to MD Anderson Foundation. Memorial Service, 11 a.m. Saturday, September 11, 2021, at First Presbyterian Church, 220 West 10th Street, Pueblo. Online condolences, www.MontgomerySteward.com