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Richard Levis Obituary
Richard George Levis
Nov. 20, 1946 - April 24, 2022
KENOSHA - On April 24, 2022, Richard George Levis died as peacefully as he had lived his life after a long struggle with posterior cortical atrophy, a rare dementia. Born in Kenosha to Elso and Valentina (Maraccini) Levis on November 20, 1946, he resided on the north side except for several years spent in Madison while earning a bachelor's degree in Political Science and History and a master's degree in Education from the University of Wisconsin. He was an active member of Holy Rosary Parish and rarely missed a holy day of obligation until he became ill.
"Mr. Levis" loved his job as a ninth-grade social studies teacher at Washington Junior High and then Bradford Senior High and frequently ran into former students who told him how much they had enjoyed his classes.
On June 12, 1971, Rich married Diane R. Christie at Reformation Lutheran Church in Milwaukee; he was her devoted husband for fifty years. He was a loving father to his daughter Maureen Levis.
A loyal fan of the Chicago Cubs and Bears, Rich was also an avid golfer. After retiring, he played at least nine holes at Petrifying Springs Golf Course or Washington Park Municipal Golf Course almost every day.
Rich was a master of the art of respectfully discussing politics with people of diverse opinions. Although he was a staunch Democrat, his service to his community was non-partisan. He served on the Board of Review for the City of Kenosha for many years. In 2017 he was commended by the mayor for his 36 years as a citizen member of the City of Kenosha Board of Canvassers.
Preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Eileen Paquin, Rich is survived by his wife, daughter, sister Mary (Jack) Plovanich, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and close friends.
The family would like to thank all the caregivers who helped Rich in his last year of life after his needs exceeded what family and friends could provide. Special thanks go to Hospice Alliance for their compassionate end-of-life care, KAFASI for keeping Rich supplied with music, and ADRC for their unfailing support during Rich's illness.
Memorials in Rich's name may be made to KAFASI, ADRC (dementia services or the loan closet), and SPARK! Programming at the Racine Art Museum's Wustum Museum.
A visitation will be held at the Piasecki Funeral Home on Monday, May 2, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of Pompeii Catholic Church, 2224 45th Street, on Tuesday, May 3, 2022. Interment will be private.
Piasecki Funeral Home & Cremation Services
3720 39th Avenue 262-658-4101
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Levis
Matthew Thiel
May 6, 2022
Who remembers his yawn in class? He was a great teacher and we all enjoyed his classes. I remember doing a term paper on a sensitive subject and he offered to do an interview with me. Really, one of the best teachers at Washington and I am biased.
Mike
May 3, 2022
Diane and Maureen,
I am so sorry in the passing of Rich. He was a very special wise man and a very good friend. You both can be very proud of him. It was a privilege and an honor working alongside of Rich since 1980 on the canvas board. We had some very interesting and exciting times. We got along so well and Rich´s knowledge and wit as his sense of humor made it even more enjoyable.
Knowing Rich as our son´s, Joe and Jim´s teacher´s enriched their lives as well.
I am sorry that I couldn´t say all this to you in person but I myself am recovering from surgery and a back injury and am temporarily sidelined. Terri my wife is somewhat stuck being my caregiver and keeping herself a low profile during my recovery.
Again my condolences to you and your family.
Mike and Terri De Fazio Joe and Jim
Arnold Parise
May 2, 2022
To The Levis Family: My condolences on the passing of "Mr. Levis". He was a great teacher. I was a student at Washington Junior High School from 1969-1972. I was fortunate to have been in the classrooms of both "Miss Christie" for English and Rich for Social Studies. I am grateful for having learned so much on those topics from the dedicated service. I was inspired to the point of later earning my BA from the UW-Madison College of Letters & Science in 1981 with majors in History and Political Science. After Junior High our paths may not have crossed many times in Kenosha, but it was most worthwhile when there was some interaction. Sincerely, Arnold Parise
Kay (Kancian) Umscheid
May 2, 2022
I had Mr. Levis for my ninth grade social studies teacher at Washington Middle School. He made learning enjoyable and I remember he was always super nice to every student. He was definitely one of the teachers that stood out to me many years ago. Peace and prayers to the family.
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Robert & Nancy Wells
May 2, 2022
Our condolences to the entire Levis family. We taught at Washington Jr. Hi. with Rich and Diane - so many wonderful memories. We are fortunate to have had the opportunity to have shared many experiences with him.
Angela Brown
May 1, 2022
Mr.Levis was my 9th grade Social Studies teacher (94). He was such a kind person. He always said "Good! Good job! A+ for you". He always made us laugh. He was loved by all of his students.
I´m so sad to hear of his passing. May you rest peacefully Mr.Levis.
Patrick Anderson
May 1, 2022
Ummm.... Mr. Levis, I have a question. One of the best teachers, ever.
Ken Meier
May 1, 2022
Richie was a close childhood neighbor friend with whom I shared many hours growing up playing baseball, golf and other competitive games facing off as rival favorites. Loved his personality and sense of humor. I knew his family well in those early years and now offer sympathy to remaining family members.
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