Funeral services for Lance A. Vitha will be at 3 p.m. Thursday at Bonnerup Funeral Service in Albert Lea. The Rev. Todd Walsh will officiate. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Bonnerup Funeral Service and again one hour prior to the service.

Lance passed away too soon Friday, March 29, 2019, at his home in Albert Lea. He was 67.

Lance Albert Vitha was born Jan. 14, 1952, in Blue Earth to Albert Vitha Jr. and Delilah (Weber). He was raised in the Blue Earth area and graduated from Frost High School.

Years following his schooling, he joined the United States Army and honorably served his country. He was mainly stationed in Germany.

After his service, Lance worked as a landscaper and designer for several years in Waseca. He also worked in various factories in the area.

On July 6, 2013, Lance was united in marriage to “his little tulip,” Debra Weitzel, in Albert Lea. The couple enjoyed nearly 12 years together.

Lance was very quiet, reserved and laid back. One thing Lance loved to talk about was the weather. He was always checking on the weather, made frequent trips out to the rain gauge and even spent some time as a storm spotter. When the weather was bland to talk about, Lance could be found watching old Western movies or following the Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Gophers. He also was a ham radio operator.

He is preceded in death by both parents, Albert and Delilah; a brother, Lenny Vitha; and two stepsons.

Those left to cherish his memory include his “little tulip,” Deb; his children Mike, Kim, Heidi, Tori, Joey and their families; Deb’s children Dale Jr., Nicky, Jana and Crystal and their families; sister, Renee (Tony) Nicolazzi, and their family; as well as many extended relatives and friends.