Louis Thomas Dann

Louis T. Dann, 88 of Gaylord, passed away at home on Saturday, January 28, 2023.

Born in Mackinaw City, Michigan on August 28, 1934, he was the son of Elmer and Maude (Pierce) Dann. 

Louie grew up in Mackinaw City where he was a star athlete for Mackinaw City Schools.  Louie played basketball, football and ran track for the Mackinaw City Comets.   He was quarterback of the football team and a star basketball player, sometimes referred to in local newspapers as “Little Louie Dann, Mighty Mite”.  He was also called the “sparkplug” of the basketball team.

After graduating from high school, Louie joined and served in the U.S. Navy from 1952-56.  He continued his basketball career, playing for the Navy and helping to win the Pacific Championship. 

In the years since his playing career ended, Louie has been a lifelong sports fan, with basketball being his favorite sport.

Following his Navy service, Louie returned to Mackinaw City where he worked in his father’s grocery store, Dann’s Market.  During this time, he took a part time job with the Mackinaw City Post Office.  This eventually turned into a full time job opportunity at the U.S. Post Office in Gaylord.  So, in 1972, Louie and his wife, Doris, whom he married on October 19, 1957, moved with their young family to Gaylord.

Throughout his life, in addition to sports, Louie enjoyed spending time with his family and working in his garden, putting his green thumb to work.  In later years, he enjoyed any opportunity to visit area casinos, usually wearing his “lucky shirt”.

Louie was preceded in death by his wife, Doris, in March of 2008, and by a son, James Spencley in May of 2014.

Surviving are his children, Andrea (Phillip) Corkins of Gaylord, Lori (Michael) Hawkins of Clinton Township, Larry (Carrie) Dann of Gaylord, and Louis (Ruth Verona) Dann of Arlington, TX; grandchildren, DeeDria, Kristin, Anthony, Adam, Amanda, Lindsay, Jamie, and Tracie; ten great grandchildren; a brother, Bernard Dann of Dort; and several nieces and nephews.  He was also preceded in death by a brother, Robert Dann.

Arrangements for a spring graveside service at Bliss Township Cemetery are pending and will be announced later.  Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions in his memory to the charity of the donor’s choice.

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