Kevin Duane Levos

Kevin Duane Levos, 60, of Rochester, MN, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2025, at his long-time residence, Rochester East Health Services.

Kevin was born on October 30, 1964, in Albion, Nebraska, to parents Kenneth and Karen (Fowler) Levos. Much of Kevin's life was spent managing his health, starting in infancy when he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Although Kevin used crutches to walk, he never let physical disability stop him from doing what everyone else did. He rode a skateboard, walked to school on wintery sidewalks, raced his 3- wheeled bike (often with a kid in the back hanging on for dear life), challenged anyone who dared to play a game of HORSE and rode the Amtrak to the Pacific Northwest for a week long retreat with his church youth group. Kevin was known for stubbornly refusing help and for having arm strength he routinely used to make his siblings cry Uncle. In his freshman year of high school, Kevin became seriously ill and eventually had to be hospitalized. He was discharged nine months later, with diagnoses of Crohn's Disease and Bipolar Disorder. Kevin never returned to high school, but by studying at home with a tutor, he graduated in 1985 from Mayo High School.

Kevin's early adulthood was characterized by active participation in local disability organizations, receiving an award for his advocacy from the Minnesota ARC. He transitioned to independent living as one of the original residents in Newbridge Apartments, one of the first buildings designed for people with disabilities in Rochester. In 1996, Kevin was selected as one of several local area residents to carry the Olympic Torch when it passed through Rochester on its way to the Summer Games in Atlanta, Georgia.

Kevin reached those achievements while coping with ongoing illness. At not yet 40 years old, he chose to move to a long-term care facility where more support services would be available. There, Kevin met the love of his life, Carol, and between their devoted relationship and the facility's consistent care, his quality of life improved. In his later years, he enjoyed talking on the telephone, watching televised sports, writing poetry on his Kindle, playing games, and getting together with friends and family.

Kevin will be remembered for making you forget that he was ill and disabled. His strong interest in people meant that his answer was usually "I'm fine. Tell me about you." Like the Levos men before him, Kevin was better at getting other people to talk than he was at talking about himself. He was known for being a good listener, something everyone in his family came to depend on after their father died.

Kevin is survived by his mother, Karen Levos of Kasson, MN; his siblings, Kori (Gib Dungan) Skidmore, Kip (Kali Vreeman) Levos, Kristopher Levos, and Kaia (Brandon) Chalstrom; nieces and nephews, Olivia, Carter, Aaliyah, Zayne, Kaidon and Kenzleigh; life partner, Carol Neuzil; and numerous friends and family that will miss him dearly. He is preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Levos and his nephew, Liam.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, April 11, 2025, at Calvary Evangelical Free Church in Rochester, MN. The visitation will begin one hour prior to the service at the church. The inurnment will be held at a later date at West Blue Mound Cemetery in Milford, Nebraska.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Levos family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com