Lance Michael Lahti was born on July 3, 1948 in Butte America. He was the son of the late Larry and Phyllis Reynolds Lahti. Over the last few years his health had been declining. Despite this, he met every health problem head on with that fighter’s spirit and valiantly overcame many. However, on January 7th, he passed away suddenly and unexpectedly.
Lance attended Butte High School, lettering in football and graduating in 1966. After high school, he attended college but ultimately left because (to quote Lance), “they didn’t like my management style.” In 1968, Lance joined the Army National Guard. He served his country Honorably for the next 32 years, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He retired in 2002 as Director of Maintenance for the Montana Army National Guard.
Those who knew him will remember Lance for his great sense of humor and such a great distinct laugh.
Lance dearly loved the annual family camping/glamping trip to Seeley Lake each summer. Beyond the float trips and cooking, he especially cherished the camaraderie and conversations shared around the campfire.
Lance’s other hobbies included waxing and detailing vehicles – his own as well as those of friends/family – trying his luck on the machines, and cooking and baking, where he was especially known for creating extraordinary cheesecakes for his favorite people.
His memory lives on with his wife Dana (Okerlund), his daughters Jodi (Jim), Heidi (Dawson), grandchildren Kadin, Charlie, Kage, his sister Michone (Rich) and many more family members, friends, in-laws and outlaws.
Lance was preceded in death by his parents Larry and Phyllis Lahti and grandson Kason.
Memorial services will be held on Monday, January 12 at 12:00 PM at the Fort Harrison VA cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lewis and Clark Humane Society.
A reception will follow the memorial service at Fox Ridge Golf Course.
Service Schedule
Burial with Military Honors
12:00 p.m.
Monday January 12, 2026
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
3550 Heroes Road
Ft. Harrison, MT 59636
Service Schedule
Burial with Military Honors
12:00 p.m.
Monday January 12, 2026
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
3550 Heroes Road
Ft. Harrison, MT 59636
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John & Cherie Dahl says
Lance was a good friend from our National Guard days and also on the basketball court. Thoughts and prayers go out to the family 😢🙏
Bob and Marlene Murdo says
Lance was a good man and a good neighbor. He was very proud of his military career. In the last few years, when he was less mobile, he loved to be outside in his driveway working on his truck and listening to tunes and always ready to engage in conversations. Even though he was in considerable pain the last several years, he was upbeat about getting better. We’ll miss you Lance!
Thamas P Vega says
Rest in piece my dear friend.
Abe Fandrich says
Good memories from Guard days gone by with Lance, Basketball, cards during lunch, conversations…. A good man who loved to laugh. Rest in Peace.
Liz Simonich says
Life’s road is short, but memories are forever.
Our sympathy to Lance’s family and sister Michone.
Liz Simonich and Theresa Olson. (Vega)
Mary "Mike" Phelps says
Our wonderful neighbor Lance. We will miss you terribly.
Lance was so positive during all of his many health issues. He put up a good fight. We all wanted him to get back home.
We will miss you every day. He and wonderful Dana were such wonderful neighbors. We’ll be here for Dana.
Rest well Lance.
Much love
Charlie & Mike Phelps
Karen Simkins says
Jodi and Heidi and family,
SO many wonderful memories of meeting your Dad and knowing him so many years ago … he and Clint had some “grand times” together back in those days — the details of which we won’t mention here :-} :-}. There are lots of fun, laughter and sweet memories of a really good man. Prayers for all … love, Aunt Karen
Vicki Hampson says
Dana & Family
So very sorry for your loss. Please know you are all in my Prayers.
Vicki Hampson
Manley and Jeannine Stallings says
Michone, so sorry about your brother. Love you,
Jeannine and Manley