Lance Daniel Sikkink, 81, passed away on Saturday July 18, 2026 at Mayo Clinic Hospital- St Marys Campus in Rochester, Minnesota.
Lance was born in Rochester, Minnesota, on September 16, 1944. He was the seventh child born to John Albert and Norma (Terbeest) Sikkink. He spent the first few years of his life in the Greenleafton and Ridgeway, Iowa, area where his father farmed. Lance’s father died suddenly when Lance was four years old. He and his siblings spent several months living with relatives before his mother moved her family to Spring Valley, Minnesota.
Lance attended Spring Valley Schools and graduated in 1962. He entered the United States Army in September 1962. When he completed his service in 1964 he enrolled at Winona State Teachers College, graduating in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science in elementary education. Lance taught for several years in the LeRoy–Ostrander School District. He then worked for Hovey Plumbing and Heating in Ostrander. Eventually Lance went into used car sales and had his own business, Lancer Motors, in Spring Valley, Minnesota. He would jokingly tell people he was CEO of his own auto company. In the early 1980s a young mother and her little boy moved across the street from Lance’s house. It wasn’t long before Lance and Dianne were a couple and son Tim became a big part of Lance’s life. Not being one to hurry things, some 20 years later Lance and Dianne were married in August 2002 in Deadwood, South Dakota. Lance and Dianne had 21 years of married life together. They enjoyed their time together and had many adventures. Lance became not only Tim’s friend but also his stepdad and the two formed a close bond. After 41 years together, Dianne passed away on January 19, 2023. Lance is survived by his stepson Timothy (Brandi) Swenson, grandchildren Lauren and TJ Swenson, his sister Carla Barr, brother-in-law Ronald (Kim) Kappers, sister-in-law Carolyn Shipton, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife Dianne Swenson-Sikkink, his parents, five brothers and their wives, Tom (Eleanor), Bob (Meredith), Phillip, Nate (Mary) and an infant brother; also, a brother-in-law, Gordon Barr.
A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. on July 31, 2026, at Faith United Methodist Church in Spring Valley with pastor Mark Woodward officiating. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service at the church. Lance donated his body to Mayo Clinic for medical research. Lance along with Dianne will be interred at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, Minnesota, at a later date.
He leaves behind a multitude of friends who shared a conversation, a laugh or a smile with him over the years. Lance absolutely loved his grandchildren and especially enjoyed visiting them and attending their sporting events. He was a kind and gentle soul and a bright ray of sunshine. He liked to joke and would often say to his visitors or people he met along the way “Well I’m glad you got to see me.” Lance, we are all blessed that we got to see you and to know you, Lancer! Rest in peace.
Condolences may be left at www.Hindtfuneralhomes.com.
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