Lance O Rettenmund

MAZOMANIE - Lance Owen Rettenmund, age 19, of Mazomanie, passed away on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at Agrace Hospice Care wrapped in the love of his family. He was just 19 years old-far too young to leave this world, yet wise and courageous beyond his years. Lance faced his cancer diagnosis with a grace and resilience that left an indelible mark on all who knew him.

Lance was born on June 26, 2005, the son of Rick and Julie (Lauber) Rettenmund. He is survived by his mother, Julie Rettenmund; and his siblings, Logan, Laura, Lincoln and Landon Rettenmund.  At age 13, Lance lost his father, Rick Rettenmund, to a cardiac arrest in 2018.  He is further survived by his grandparents, Earl and Rosie (Haack) Rettenmund and Thomas and Carla (Thousand) Lauber; and many other aunts, uncles and cousins. He also leaves behind numerous extended family members, friends, co-workers, teachers and mentors whose lives are richer for having known him.

A proud graduate of Wisconsin Heights High School, Class of 2023, and an alumni of St. Francis Xavier Catholic grade school, Lance continued his education with determination, earning an associate degree in Welding from Southwest Technical College in 2024. His passion for working with his hands began early-helping on the family dairy farm, where he learned the value of hard work and community.

Throughout high school, Lance enjoyed working at Culver’s in Cross Plains, where he found joy mentoring new staff and bringing calm to the rush of dinner service. His career interests started even before he had even finished high school by participating in a welding youth apprentice at McFarlane Manufacturing and continued to hone his trade after college as a Welder at nVent/Trachte in Oregon, Wis., where he took pride in his workmanship and teamwork and was employed until his passing.

Lance was a young man of many talents and wide interests. He was a dedicated member of 4H, proudly presenting projects at the Dane County Fair. As part of the Future Farmers of America (FFA), he especially cherished the annual Devil’s Lake outings and attending meetings with his friends and siblings. His love of the outdoors and adventure extended to countless days spent hunting deer with his Uncle Brett, fishing with friends, UTV riding, sitting around roaring campfires under star-lit skies, and shooting at the indoor range with the Black Earth Rifle League.

Games were also a cherished tradition-what started as three games of checkers every night as a child with his dad, became five games per night as Lance began to routinely win against his father. Card games like Euchre, Poker, and Texas Hold ’Em were also favorites, echoing the competitive fun he shared with family and friends.

Lance was a man of faith, a lifelong member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Parish, and someone whose quiet kindness reflected the values he lived by. He could be quiet and calm, but he also brought light, humor, and warmth into every room he entered, and to every person he encountered.

Lance’s family is forever grateful to those who supported them throughout his journey: Make-A-Wish Foundation, for gifting Lance and his family a magical trip to Universal Studios in 2024, The American Family Children’s Hospital, Hematology/Oncology P4 and Day Treatment care teams, for their tireless compassion, The Ronald McDonald House, for nourishing meals and comfort, Agrace HospiceCare, for guiding Lance through his final days with dignity and love, and the Badger Childhood Cancer Network, which offered various kinds support throughout the cancer journey.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2947 Thinnes St., Cross Plains, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, with Father Michael Wanta presiding. Burial will follow at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, and also from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Wednesday.  

Lance’s time with us was far too short, but the imprint he left is everlasting. We will forever miss his steady hands, his quick-witted grin, his quiet humor, and the warmth of his generous heart. We will carry his light forward, always.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Cross Plains
Funeral & Cremation Care
2421 Church St.
(608) 798-3141