Lois Ott Neu

Lois Ott Neu, surrounded by family, died Monday, October 18, 2021 of pneumonia, secondary to breakthrough covid-19 infection at Methodist Hospital in Des Moines. She was 100 years old. Lois was born Dec. 24, 1920 in Albion, Indiana to Nellie and Orlando Ott. She grew up in Manistique, Michigan, graduating from Manistique High School in 1938 as valedictorian. She attended Michael Reese Hospital School of Nursing in Chicago from 1939-1942. Lois met John Neu at a basketball game through a mutual friend and they married October 3, 1942. They were married 76 years. As a member of the Army Nursing Corps, Lois served at a hospital in Chicago and in Rouen, France during WWII. After the war and the GI bill, they settled in Berkeley, IL where they raised four children. Lois worked many years at Elmhurst Hospital in Elmhurst, Illinois until her retirement.

After retirement John and Lois relocated to Florida, where they lived for 28 years, dividing their time between Florida and their cottage in Manistique, MI. They moved to Des Moines in 2014 to be near their daughter, Jeanne. Lois loved playing bridge and many other card games. She also enjoyed golf and reading, especially in the casita at the cottage on Indian Lake. Lois was an excellent cook and a warm hostess, always opening her home to family and friends for a delicious dinner.

Lois was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John; her daughter-in-law, Maria de Jesus Neu; and her five Ott brothers, Dallas (Josie), Dale (Helen, Denyse), John (Linnea), Don (Lois) and Arnold. Lois is survived by her children, Jeanne (Jim) O’Halloran of Des Moines; John (Claire) Neu of Oak Park, IL; Jim Neu of Eugene, OR; and Joan (Robert) Anchondo of Lockhart, TX; 11 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am on Monday, October 25, 2021 at Saint Joseph Catholic Church, 3300 Easton Blvd in Des Moines, with visitation one hour prior. The Mass will be live streamed on Hamilton’s website under Lois’ obituary. Burial will take place the following day, Tuesday, October 26, 2021 at 9:30 am at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, Iowa. Due to Covid-19 the family is requiring that all attending wear a mask.

Memorials can be made to Lois’ favorite charities: St. Frances de Sales Church, 330 Oak St., Manistique MI 49854, Maryknollsisters.org, or to smiletrain.org.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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