Ricky Lee Levenhagen, 65, of Rockford, Iowa lost a 4 year battle with cancer peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on December 22, 2023.
Rick’s wish was for his family and friends to enjoy one last fireworks party similar to those he hosted for countless years. A Celebration of Life Fireworks Party will be held at Rick & Marilyn’s home in the summer of 2024.
Rick was born in Mason City, Iowa on March 28, 1958 to Loren and Mary (Worley) Levenhagen. Rick attended Mason City High School before a long career in maintenance with Curries/Graham/Assa Abloy. He met the love of his life, Marilyn (Anderson) while working together at Pizza Hut and they were married on March 25, 1977. Rick and Marilyn had one daughter, Vanessa (Leavitt) of Davenport, Iowa. Rick would later enjoy sharing his hobbies with her husband, Brian Leavitt, and their two boys, Noah (15) and Luke (13). Rick had many friends that he met through the various chapters and experiences in his life. They will miss his sense of humor and generosity.
In addition to working at Pizza Hut and Curries, Rick spent years farming. Corn and soybeans flourished until Rick converted their farmland to flowers through the CRP program. Rick and Marilyn owned R&M Gun Shop in the early years of their marriage, and after his first retirement, Rick welded dynamite boxes and truck beds for Quick Supply. He did cabinetry and woodworking throughout his life for his own homes and for others. He renovated several houses and multi-family residences, even saving one from the point of condemnation, that he later rented out. Rick enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, beekeeping, tinkering, as well as building fireworks and lighting them off. Rick was always helping someone; sharing his skills, experience, and ability to fix almost anything. He had an ability to build something out of nothing.
Rick is survived by wife, Marilyn; daughter, Vanessa and husband Brian; grandsons, Noah and Luke; siblings, Kathy, Randy (Deb) and Diana (George); mother-in-law, Wilma Anderson; sister-in-law, Diana (Donavon) Reinsmoen; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Loren and Mary; infant twin sister, Lori; and father-in-law, Robert Anderson.
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