Caroline W. Levine

An adored family member, active community builder, and kind friend, Caroline Levine died on Thursday, July 10, 2025. She was born to Caroline and Lawrence Weinstock on November 8, 1927 in Des Moines, Iowa. Caroline attended Ward Belmont School, Nashville, Tennessee; Roosevelt High School, Des Moines, Iowa; and University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.
Caroline was born with an elegance of style, an interest in design, and a passion for creativity. In 1947 she took the good advice of her parents and married Arnold E. Levine. They moved to Centerville, Iowa, immersing themselves in the life and culture of Arnold's hometown while expanding the Levine Company, a successful steel manufacturing business. They distinguished themselves in many ways while practicing the joys and challenges of small-town living.
As the family grew, the Levines moved to Des Moines, relocating the family business. Caroline embraced her commitment to home and lifestyle while raising three children, Tracy, John, and Ann. Her personal interests expanded into a wide range of activities that lasted her entire lifetime. She was devoted to learning and always combined curiosity with creativity while working for and volunteering with local initiatives.
Caroline mastered the art of gratitude, always expressing appreciation for all that came her way. She was modest in her own estimation, but wonderfully generous in recognizing the talents, gifts, and skills of others. She noticed beauty in the world and attempted to make more of it with every garden she tended, every party she hosted, every picture she hung, and every smile she shared.
Caroline's playfulness and whimsy were as legendary as her easy charm. She loved traveling, was a rigorous reader, possessed an impeccable eye, and more recently, became a champion napper. Other many moves she parlayed were at the bridge table, on the tennis court, holding the wheel of one convertible car or another, and dancing in Arnold's arms.
Modest to a fault, the advice and ideas Caroline shared were as sincere as her attempts to bat down the compliments she received. Although Caroline did not seek attention, she received it through her hours and associations with Junior League, Founders Garden Club, Proteus Club, Temple B'Nai Jeshurun, Mothers for Peace, Great Books, Iowa State Fair, Blank Park Zoo, and Des Moines Art Center. Ultimately, she did admit to feeling honored when she was cited for a Women of Influence award in 2005 by DSM magazine.
Caroline loved us all and we loved her back: humans, nature, flora, fauna, longtime friends and neighbors, next-generation kids, and very special family members: Tracy, John, Ann, Bryan, Tom, and Mia. She was supportive with words, deeds, actions, and heart, and she always maintained a close relationship to her favorite motto, "Carpe diem."
A service for Caroline will take place at Park Center at the Park at Southern Hills on Monday, July 14, 2025 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. The address is 2929 Fox Run off SW 30th Street in Des Moines.
Please direct contributions in her memory to Heritage Carousel of Des Moines, www.heritagecarousel.org.
Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesFuneralHomes.com
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