Dr. Dean Lovaas

DR. DEAN LOVAAS Dr. Dean L Arnold Lovaas, 82, of Las Vegas, passed away June 19, 2011, as a result of a stroke suffered May 19, 2011. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was an optometrist for 50 years up until his death. He was born March 2, 1929, in Minneapolis and was a 61-year resident of Nevada. Dean married Janice Pralle Oct. 19, 1998. He was a member of the Optometric Association, Optimist Club and Sports Car Club of America. Dean received the Lenscrafter Doctor of the Year award twice, was in Who's Who for professionals and executives in 1998 and 1999. Since 1960, he was very active in all aspects of Griffith United Methodist Church. He won many championships as a race car driver - motor sports was his passion in life. Dean was quarterback for the Santa Ana Saints, which won the California State Championship in 1945. He later went on to quarterback at BYU. Dean was preceded in death by his wife, Florence Lovaas. Dean is survived by his wife, of 12 years, Janice Lovaas; three children, Jeff Lovaas, Denese Snyder and Lance Lovaas; two stepchildren, Cheryl Thames and Brett Morgan; 14 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. There will be a celebration of Dean's life at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 28, at Griffith United Methodist Church, 1701 E. Oakey Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89104. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Griffith United Methodist Church Memorial Fund in the name of Dr. Dean L Lovaas. Dean was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.