Lance Renville
Lance Albert Renville, beloved husband, father, son, brother, veteran, and community leader, passed away on Monday, May 18, 2026, at the Sanford Health in Fargo, N.D., at the age of 58.
Lance was born on May 21, 1967, in Sidney, Mont., to Carl and Cheryl Renville. In 1969, the family moved to Watford City, N.D., where Lance spent his childhood as the youngest of the Renville children at the time until younger brother Brian showed up in 1981. From an early age, he was known for his energy, athletic ability, and occasional mischief. Growing up, he worked alongside his family in the bakery business, learning the values of hard work and dedication that would define his life.
Lance made a lasting name for himself in sports at Watford City High School, excelling in both football and basketball. He was part of the 1985 State Championship football team and helped lead the Wolves to a memorable appearance at the State B Basketball Tournament in 1986. His competitive spirit, leadership, and love of sports remained with him throughout his life.
Following high school, Lance attended the North Dakota State School of Science before proudly joining the United States Marine Corps in 1987. During his military service, he was stationed overseas in Japan and Korea. Lance carried the pride and discipline of being a Marine throughout his life and held a deep respect for fellow veterans.
After completing his service, Lance returned to school and earned a degree in refrigeration and heating. He later moved to Minnesota, where he worked for Caterpillar. It was there that he met the love of his life, Jill, who would become his wife and lifelong partner.
In 2005, Lance moved to Fairview, Mont., where Lance founded the Double Barrel Saloon and Casino. For 14 years, he worked tirelessly building the business and becoming a familiar and respected figure in the community. During this chapter of life, Lance and Jill experienced their greatest joy with the birth of their son, Nick, in 2009.
Later, Lance returned to his hometown of Watford City, where he dedicated himself to serving veterans and the community through his work with the American Legion. He served as General Manager of the American Legion Club as well as North Dakota West Region DEC. Lance was passionate about helping veterans and was deeply committed to supporting local schools, sports programs, and community organizations. His generosity, loyalty, and willingness to help others left a lasting impact on countless people.
Lance is survived by his loving wife, Jill; his sons and daughter, Nick, Reese and Lauren; his mother, Cheryl Renville of Watford City, N.D.; and his siblings, George/Andy Renville of Claremont, Calif.; Michelle Renville-Armstrong (Delbert) of Williston, N.D.; Carl/Eddie Renville Jr. (Nina) of North Bonneville, Wash.; Anna Renville (Candace) of Portland, Ore.; and Brian Renville (Erica) of Fairview, Mont. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, in-laws, fellow veterans, and community members who will deeply miss him.
He was preceded in death by his father, Carl Renville; his grandparents, William and Caroline Renville; and Donald and Sylvia Erikson.
Lance will be remembered for his larger-than-life personality, unwavering work ethic, devotion to his family and community, sense of humor, and the countless lives he touched along the way. His legacy of service, friendship, and generosity will live on in all who knew and loved him.
Memorial Services for Lance were held on Friday, May 29, 2026, at 1 p.m., at The Ag Expo in Watford City, N.D., with Mark Honstein officiating. Refreshments followed the service at The Ag Expo for a time of fellowship and sharing. Military Honors were provided by the Carl E Rogen American Legion Post #29, Watford City, N.D. The service will be recorded and uploaded as soon as it is available directly on Lance’s obituary page on our website: www.fulkersons.com. Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home of Watford City, N.D. is assisting the family. Remembrances, condolences, and pictures may be shared with the family at www.fulkersons.com.