Claudine Lance


Claudine  Lance, 90, of Belleville, Illinois, born Monday, September 11, 1922, in Montgomery, IN and was the only child of Claude and Donzella nee Burnette Lance.

Claudine completed her mission on earth and was called home at 7:27 am Friday, October 12, 2012 at Dammert Geriatric Center, at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville, Illinois.

Claudine received her nurses training at St. Mary's Hospital in East St. Louis, IL. After serving as company nurse at Independent Packing Company she entered the Army as a nurse during World War II. Her tour took her to Luzon in the Philippines. She spent three years in England after the war, with a tour in Morroco, and was twice stationed at Scott Air Force Base. She retired as a Lt. Colonel after twenty years of service from the Strategic Air Command.
After retirement she continued her nursing career at Christian Welfare Hospital and Four Fountains Nursing Home.

Claudine's life after retirement was very busy. She learned to swim late in life. She joined the Scuba World Diving Team and made nearly 500 dives around the world. She was a champion marksman; she organized the first gun club at Scott Air Force Base. She was a member of Winstanley Baptist Church. She was proud to be a member of the Air Force Association, several other military organizations and the NRA. She was a founding member of the Southwestern Illinois MOAA Chapter. She was active in Eastern Star, The American Legion, The Society of Air Force Nurses and the Anglers in Belleville.

She dearly loved the St. Louis Cardinals. She never missed a game on television or the radio.

She was preceded in death by her:

  • Mother and father


She leaves her loving:

  • First cousins
    • Jeanne and Clarence Walker of Manchester, MO
    • Joyce and Charles Burnette of Swansea, IL
    • Fran and Gant Redmon of Alexandria, VA
    • Judie and Bogie Redmon of Glen Carbon, IL
    • Kay Long of Brighton, IL
  • Dear friend: Richard Meyer of Golden Eagle, IL
  • Claudine was dear great-cousin to her extended family.


Special Thanks: The family would like to thank the wonderful staff of the Dammert Geriatric Center at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville, IL. The love, patience and genuine caring will always be remembered.

Memorial: Memorials may be made to the Winstanley Baptist Church in Fairview Heights, IL

Visitation:  Friends may call from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm Tuesday, October 16, 2012 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, Illinois.

Funeral:  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, October 17, 2012 at Kurrus Funeral Home Chapel, with Dr. Steve Phillips officiating.  Interment will follow at Valhalla Gardens of Memory, Belleville, Illinois.

Condolences left for Claudine Lance:

    I will dearly miss my friend & fellow AF nurse, Claudine. Claudine was the most patriotic person I have ever known, & loved the flag that represented her love of America & life! Claudine represented that flag w/grace & dignity...an American hero of the "greatest generation" that will truly, never be forgotten!

    Deepest sympathies to her family, & especially niece Kay, who we nurses with the SAFN, were privileged to know...thank you for being there ALWAYS for Claudine & "Caring & Sharing" as is our SAFN motto, along with us,in her activities.

    Love & peace to all,

    Linda Templeton, Col.,(Ret),USAF NC



    Linda Kay Templeton Dayton OH 45420

    Dear Family & friends of Claudine,
    Sharing my deepest sympathy in the loss of a fellow AF nurse. We were active in the SAFN group together. She was very enlightening and special to us all. Thinking of you.

    Janice Dinerstein Lt.Col.(Ret) USAF NC
    and sister Joyce Fergus from Effingham, IL.

    Janice Dinerstein Roswell GA. 30076

    Claudine was the Captain in charge of Labor & Delivery at my first base at Whiteman AFB, MO. Most of the nurses were 2Lt's so Claudine we admired for her kindness to us young Officer's. We shared all occasions together like a family and we all loved her dearly. Over the years I have kept in touch with her at Chritmas and through the Whiteman group. How she loved life, her country & the Air Force. I got the notice of her death just recently and I know how she took every opportunity to enjoy life. The warmest condolences to her family.

    Lousan Warner

    Luella Warner USAFNC Retired LtCol. Williamsburg Virginia 23185