Mary Ann (Goecke) Dann

Mary A. Dann, 86, formerly of Detroit Lakes, MN died Wednesday, August 15th at Luther Haven Nursing Home in Montevideo, MN surrounded by her loving family. Funeral Services will be 11:00 AM Saturday, August 18 at The Congregational Church, Detroit Lakes, with burial to follow at Oak Grove Cemetery.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.

Mary Ann Dann was born on December 23, 1920 in Wolf Point, Montana to Roy and Hazel Goecke.   Mary Ann lived her early life in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota.  She married Duane Dann on February 27 1943 in Oakland, California where he was stationed in the Army.  Their daughter Linda was born in 1944 there and at six weeks old made the trip with Mary back to her parents in Pelican Rapids while Duane was sent to Patton’s Third Army in Germany.  After World War II Duane Dann became a barber and Mary continued on a part-time basis as a Cosmetologist when the young family moved to Detroit Lakes, Minnesota.

The family was complete with the birth of two sons Michael Duane (1949) and Timothy Joseph (1957).  Mary was always involved in her Community.  She enjoyed being a Bluebird, Campfire and Cub Scout Leader.  She was President and held other offices in the American Legion Auxiliary and taught flag etiquette to many.  She was a member of the Congregational Church in Detroit Lakes for over fifty years and was involved in many of their activities.   She lived in New Mexico for 2 years with her daughter before moving to Montevideo, MN in October of 2006 where she lived at Home Front and later at Luther Haven Nursing Home.

All that knew Mary thought of her as a woman of quiet inner strength.  Her calming and friendly manner brought comfort to those in need and her sense of humor and feistiness was a delight to be around.

Mary is survived by her children, Lynn (Jim) Buhaug of Sandia Park, NM, Michael (Jeanne) Dann of Montevideo, MN and Tim (Barbara) Dann of Waseca, MN; five grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; one brother and four sisters-in-law. She also has many friends from Minnesota and the Texas and New Mexico connections.  She was preceded in death by her husband Duane, her parents and two brothers.