Lance Lundsten, 18

Lance Lundsten, 18, Miltona, died January 15, 2011.

Lance was born September 12, 1992 in Maplewood, the son of Jon Lundsten and Deanna Joy. His grandparents, Lance and Karen Lundsten, raised Lance. He attended elementary school in South St. Paul. After the 4th grade, Lance and his family moved to Miltona, where he attended the Miltona Magnet School. Lance attended Discovery Middle School and currently was a senior at Jefferson High School.

Lance played soccer when he was in middle school. He received his black belt in Tae Kwon Do through Northwest Martial Arts. He enjoyed spending time reading, watching movies, and playing Wii. Lance did well in academics and in 2010 he traveled to France with his French class. Lance was also a champion chess player and held trophies in chess from several tournaments. He also loved dogs, especially his dog, Ali.

A large part of Lance’s life was the time he spent playing his piano. He began playing at age 5 and continued as Diane Alveshere’s student in Alexandria. Diane was especially proud of Lance; she realized he had bested her as a pianist. Lance shared his musical gift by participating in the fall and spring recitals at Spruce Hill Park, competing in the teen talent show at the AAAA Theatre, and entertaining people at Viking Plaza Mall during the Christmas show. He also cared for people; he would visit at assisted living centers and entertain the residents with his music. He served as a role model for some of Diane’s students.

He is survived by his father, Jon Lundsten of Inver Grove Heights; his mother, Deanna Joy; his grandparents, Lance and Karen Lundsten of Miltona; a brother, Brandan Dhaene; a sister, Amber Eisel; three uncles, Jeffrey Lundsten, James Lundsten and Jason Lundsten and wife, Angelique; three cousins, Dylan, Carter and Lucas Lundsten; and his loving friends, Jaime Walsh, Lori and Lakeshia Leppanen and Stan Mills.

A funeral service was held Tuesday, January 18 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alexandria with the Rev. Father Steve Binsfeld officiating. Diane Alveshere and Laurie Youngers provided music. Honorary pallbearers included Jeffrey Lundsten, James Lundsten, Jason Lundsten and Dylan Lundsten.

Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.

A00009B2011JA21

Tags: lance lundsten, obituaries, lundsten