Allen Levitt

West Des Moines

Allen Levitt, 79, died peacefully with his wife, daughter and son-in-law by his side, on Tuesday, March 5, 2013, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Born in Detroit, Michigan on January 12, 1934, to Nathan and Minnie Levitt, he was an only child. When Allen was 15 years old, his father passed away and Allen quit school so he could work and take care of his mother. It would not be the last time he put a family member’s needs ahead of his own. In 1951 Allen joined the Air Force at the age of 17, serving in the Korean War. He earned his GED in 1953 and attended Wayne State University in 1956. In May of 1961 he met the love of his life, Patricia A. Levitt (Kay), and they were married on August 30, 1961. Ultimately, Allen and Kay made their home and raised their family in West Des Moines, Iowa during which time Allen was a successful salesman in the home improvement arena until his retirement.

Allen was a generous and caring man, who often put the needs of his family and friends ahead of his own. Family was extremely important to him and he made it a priority to keep in touch over the years with his uncles, aunts and cousins in Michigan, Indiana and California. In addition to family, Allen had many loves, including football, movies, history, reading, music, good food, traveling and all things Michigan. Allen had a beautiful singing voice, especially when singing along with Frank Sinatra or Bobby Darin. He was a great story teller who never knew a stranger and had a world class sense of humor. His personality and heart were larger than life and he will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Left to honor his memory are his wife, Kay Levitt; daughter, Laura R. Wenck and son-in-law, Thomas D. Wenck; grandchildren, Danielle E. Levitt, Nicole (“Nikki”) C. Levitt, Paul J. Levitt, Shannon M. Wenck, Sarah M. Adams and her husband, Sean S. Adams; his Aunt Esther; and many cousins with whom he was very close.

Allen was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Frank J. and Kathryn P. Santo; son, Neil F. Levitt; granddaughter, Andrea E. Levitt; and many beloved aunts, uncles and cousins.

Allen’s family would like to give a special note of thanks to Dr. Daniel P. Allen, MD, Sylvester at Arbor Springs, Shelley, Rachelle, and the staff at Iowa Hospice by Harden Healthcare, and to the entire staff at the Carlisle Center for Wellness and Rehabilitation.

The family will be holding a private graveside service. Memorial contributions can be made to Iowa Hospice by Harden Healthcare or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

For online condolences, please go to: www.mclarensresthavenchapel.com.

Gates of Prayer (from the Reform Judaism Prayer Book)

At the rising sun and at its going down we remember them.

At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter we remember them.

At the opening of the buds and in the rebirth of spring we remember them.

At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of summer we remember them.

At the rustling of the leaves and in the beauty of the autumn we remember them.

At the beginning of the year and when it ends we remember them.

As long as we live, they too will live, for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.

When we are weary and in need of strength we remember them.

When we are lost and sick at heart we remember them.

When we have decisions that are difficult to make we remember them.

When we have joy we crave to share we remember them.

When we have achievements that are based on theirs we remember them.

For as long as we live, they too will live,

For they are now a part of us, as we remember them.