Dennis James Lanpher

Sioux Falls, SD ~ Dennis “Dan” James Lanpher, age 72, died on Thursday, February 19, 2026 at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls.  Memorial services will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, February 27, 2026, at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory, Sioux Falls. Visitation with family present to greet friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, February 26, 2026, also at the funeral home.

Dan was born on September 30, 1953 in Sioux Falls, SD.  He was raised and received his education in Sioux Falls.  Following high school, Dan honorably served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Prairie from 1972 until 1975.  Dan then returned to Sioux Falls.  

Dan was united in marriage with Lana Jean Larson on June 17, 1978 in Sioux Falls, SD.  Dan and Lana made their home in Sioux Falls and were blessed with two sons, Michael and Scott.  Dan began working at the South Dakota State Penitentiary in 1980 and following 29 ½ years of faithful service retired in 2009 as a lieutenant.  Dan then worked part-time for many years at the Cubbies convenient store.  

Dan had a passion for the outdoors. He loved hunting, fishing, trap shooting as well as long-range target shooting.  He reloaded his own ammunition and also gun smithed. He coached Special Olympics for many years. He also enjoyed bowling and above all, cherished his family; especially his grandchildren.  Dan was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, veteran and friend who will be deeply missed. 

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Lana Lanpher; son, Scott (Amber) Lanpher; grandchildren, Mya, Jesse, Caiden, Abbygail, Willow and Stella; siblings, Don (Anna) Lanpher, David (M.C.) Lanpher, Rhonda Sturgeon, Randy (Cindy) Lanpher; sister-in-law, Pam Larson, Sally Freitag; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

He is preceded in death by his son, Michael J. Lanpher; his father, James H. Lanpher; mother, Madonna and Don Lanpher Sr.; siblings, Rita Tornow and Renea Knuth.