Obituary of Richard Edward Levandowski

Richard Edward Levandowski

1935 - 2023

Levandowski, Richard Edward “Dick”. Age 87 of North Oaks, formerly of Northeast Minneapolis, passed away peacefully on December 13, 2023.

Richard was born to Winslow and Lottie Levandowski on December 27, 1935, in the family home above the grocery store owned by his parents in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He had two older brothers: Lawrence and Robert Levandowski.

Richard met his future wife Lorraine during high school when he was working at Win’s Drive-In and Restaurant in Northeast Minneapolis (Win’s was owned by his parents). Dick and Lorraine crossed the border into Iowa to get married in St. Ansgar on New Year's Day 1955. This exciting, love-driven decision resulted in more than 67 years of marriage and three children, Richard Jr. (Juanita) Levandowski, Sherrell Ann (Levandowski, Rothnem) Otto (Dale), and Elizabeth (John) Connell.

Dick attended the University of Minnesota-St. Paul in pursuit of a career as a Forest Ranger. Ultimately, before he became a banker and then a water treatment operator. He retired from the City of St. Paul Water Works after 25 years of service. Dick served in the Navy Reserves and was a volunteer firefighter for 13 years.

He also enjoyed snowmobiling, the cabin on Middle Crooked Lake in Nevis, photographing wildlife in his backyard, and taking long morning walks to get his steps in for the day. Dick was well known for being an early bird, being out and about walking and gardening. Richard enjoyed documentaries on World War II or as he would say, “you know, WW II, The Big One.”

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and a lifelong member of the Catholic Church. Dick also operated a HAM radio with the call sign WBOBNN. He loved cooking spaghetti and stews, grilling and smoking meat, and baking bread. Dick also loved bird watching and gardening. He was very proud of his Polish heritage and frequently spoke Polish phrases to his family and friends.

Dick is survived by his son Richard Jr. (wife Juanita), daughter Elizabeth Connell (husband John), grandchildren Christopher Levandowski (wife Erin, children Robert, Andy, Ryan, Chloe), Erik Levandowski (wife Erin, daughters Elena, Catherine), Laura Levandowski-Jones (husband Mike), Grant Rothnem (daughters Kenadie and Grace, son Thomas), Blake Rothnem (wife Tina, sons Charles, Porter), Moriah Rothnem, Taylor Connell (husband Morgan, son Oliver), Dylan Connell (fiancé Lauren), and very special friend Sue Kelash Levandowski.

Dick was preceded in death by his wife Lorraine, daughter Sherrell, parents Winslow and Lottie, and siblings Lawrence and Robert.

A memorial service will be held at Church of St. Charles Borromeo, 2739 N.E. Stinson Parkway, St. Anthony, MN at 11 a.m., Friday, March 1.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts preferred to Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1782 (VFWPost1782.org) in White Bear Lake or Alzheimer’s Association Minnesota-North Dakota (alz.org/mnnd).

Inurnment will be at Sunset Cemetery in Northeast Minneapolis. Arrangements by the Cremation Society of Minnesota.

Dick enjoyed a full life. He provided for his family through the wisdom of investment, and never wasted any food. His memory will be carried on by his loved ones.