Lance Michael Rodwell
Lance Michael Rodwell, 16, went to the Lord on a country road near his home south of Thurman on September 4, 2010.

He was born May 9, 1994 in Sterling, Colorado to Danny and Amanda (Bliven) Rodwell of Thurman. He was the older brother to seventh grader Elisha.

Lance was a junior a Flagler High School, joining FHS his sophomore year after starting his schooling at Arickaree. It didn't take long for his charismatic personality to make him one of the most popular student athletes in the school. He was happy-go-lucky, accepting, very positive, and was also softly polite.

He loved life and lived it to the fullest. Whatever he did he did it the only way he knew how—to the best of his ability. Whether it was working on his shop project, performing in the school play, or competing in his athletic endeavors, he gave it his all, and 99 percent of the time with a smile on his face.

Lance worked hard and played hard and was the ultimate team player. More than a few times, he gave up an easy bucket to pass off to another player who possibly hadn't scored yet, or who was having a bad game, allowing them to get the basket.

Lance was a member of the Flagler FFA, F-Club, and FBLA. He received the "Rookie of the Year" award in both football and basketball last year after joining the Panthers.

Lance started competing in his sports endeavors at an early age, playing football and basketball. One of the highlights of those years for him was competing at Invesco Field in the state of Colorado Punt, Pass and Kick competition. He placed fifth in the state in the Hoop Shoot competition when he was eight years old.

He loved all seasons, because each one had a new beginning.

He loved how the Flagler community accepted him and his little sister when they transferred there. The community gave them so much love and friendship, which made them feel like they were their family.

Lance accepted Christ and was baptized, confirmed and was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Anton.

Lance loved sports, hunting, farming, gardening with his grandma, working with his grandpa and being with his friends. He had some "exciting" times feeding cows with his grandma moos. He loved the young and the old, and treated everyone with dignity and respect.

Lance is survived by his parents, Danny and Amanda, and his little sister, Elisha, all of Thurman. He is also survived by his grandparents: Billy and Priscilla Rodwell, Gail Lowery, and Tom Bliven; step grandfather, Karl Spielmann; and great grandmother, Lucille Hardy. He is survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins that he loved very much and tried to spend as much time with them as possible.

Lance was preceded in death by Great Grandma Mary Rupp, Grandfather Champ Rupp, and Great Grandfather Delbert Hardy.

Funeral service was held on Thursday, September 9, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at the Flagler High School gymnasium. Burial will follow at the Thurman Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Flagler FFA or the Flagler Athletic Department at the High Plains Bank in Flagler.