Freda Dammann

Freda Ann Dammann, daughter of Fred and Gladys (Britt) Callahan, was born on February 7, 1940, in rural Missouri Valley, Iowa. She graduated from Dow City High School in 1958 and from the State College of Iowa (now UNI) in 1962.

Freda began her career in education, teaching high school English and Speech in the Manilla Community School District for three years, and later in the Manning School District for three and a half years. On June 20, 1965, Freda was united in marriage to Le Roy Dammann at the United Methodist Church in Dow City, Iowa. They were blessed with two daughters, LeAnn and Leslee.

After her years of teaching, Freda continued to share her love of learning as a substitute teacher in Manning, often joking that she had subbed for every class imaginable. She also judged speech contests and was always willing to lend a hand wherever she saw a need in the community. A dedicated businesswoman, Freda owned The Hobby Hole in Manning for several years and later operated The Flower Shop for eight years. Her creativity and community spirit were evident in all that she did.

Freda and Le Roy were passionate volunteers, giving generously of their time and talents. Together, they received the Iowa Tourism Volunteer Award, were honored as Iowans of the Day at the Iowa State Fair, and were recipients of the Governor’s Volunteer Award. In 1996, they spent a week in Washington, D.C., volunteering for the Iowa Sesquicentennial Commission during the Smithsonian’s Festival of American Folklife on the National Mall.

Freda served on the Board of the Western Iowa Tourism Region and was a proud member of Chapter IS, P.E.O. She and Le Roy co-chaired the first Weihnachtsfest, were charter members of the Manning Heritage Foundation Board, and played an instrumental role in bringing the Hausbarn to Manning. They were also active with Kinderfest and the first Manning Heritage Day.

Freda passed away on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, at the age of 85 years, 8 months, and 19 days. She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Gladys Callahan, and five half-siblings.

She is lovingly survived by her husband, Le Roy Dammann of Manning; daughters LeAnn (Tony) Jesina of Omaha and Leslee (Jeff) Trecker of Halbur; six grandchildren: Ellen Jesina (Zach Werber), Aaron Jesina (Kylee Greider), Carlee Trecker (Kolby Onken), Saydee Trecker, Landon Jesina, and Jace Trecker; as well as extended family members and many friends.

Visitation with family greeting friends will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at the Manning Hausbarn Heritage Park. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 30, 2025, also at the Manning Hausbarn Heritage Park. Burial will follow in the Manning Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Manning Library or the Manning Hausbarn Heritage Park in Freda’s honor.