Obituary of Lois M. Dann

Lois May (Haverkamp) Dann

June 9, 1945 – February 13, 2006

Lois May was born in Remsen, IA, to her parents, Leo M. & Mary T. (Freking) Haverkamp on June 9, 1945. 

Lois was a U.S. Navy wife and raised her children mostly overseas including Okinawa, Japan, and Italy. With each move and transfer Lois worked to ensure each new house became a home.

Lois devoted herself to her children and later to her grandchildren. She was a steadfast anchor for her daughter and grandchildren as they fled the violence and abuse of Lisa’s first marriage and established new lives. She made it possible for her grandchildren to change their names to better escape the memories of their abusive father.

In her late years, Lois extended this love to her grandson, David. Litte David loved going to and spending time with Lois, just playing in her living room and curled up on her sofa watching videos. Going to grandma’s next-door apartment was a daily ritual in the last year of Lois’ life. They brought each other much comfort.

She is preceded in death by her parents Mary T (Freking) Haverkamp and Leo M. Haverkamp, her husband David M. Dann, and brother-in-law, Thomas Nealon.

Lois is survived by her children, Kenneth L. Dann and Lisa M. Pippin (Michael), grandchildren: Mary Malcolm-Sanders (Ash), Zachary J. Dann, and David E. Pippin; sisters: Delores Nealon, Sister Janet Haverkamp and Joanne Abel (Art), brothers: Leon Haverkamp (Kathy) and Mark Haverkamp (Audrey); and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 am, Monday, April 13, 2026 at St. Cecilia Catholic Church (2900 Hoover Ave, Ames, IA 50010), with a luncheon to follow. 

Because of Lois' close relationship to her grandson, David, who has Down Syndrome and Autism, in lieu of flowers, please make donations to Friendship Ark. This organization runs nine homes for special needs adults, allowing them to work and live in the Ames community. In addition, they are constructing a tenth house and they provide hourly services for special needs adults living in their own home. 

Make checks payable to:

Friendship Ark, 5820 Lincoln Way, Suite 101, Ames, IA  50014

Specify “Lois Dann Memorial” in the memo field.

Or you can donate through their website at: www.friendshipark.org by clicking on the “Donate Now” icon. There is an option to select “Give in honor or in memory of  someone” where you may include Lois’ name.