Richard “Rich” J. Levandowski, 80, passed away Sunday, June 10, 2018 at home in Helena with his loving wife Doris at his side. Rich was born September 21, 1937 in Great Falls, MT, to Stanley and Carolyn (Kost) Levandowski; he was the middle of three children.
After graduating from Great Falls High, Rich began his dedicated service to the community by enlisting in the Montana Air Guard. This experience served as a catalyst to his life-long pursuit of social service, and Rich spent 24 years with the Great Falls Fire Department as Acting Fire Chief before serving as a Deputy in the State Fire Marshall office. After his retirement, his commitment to his role in the community along with his desire to promote education and awareness to a new generation of firefighters motivated him to teach Fire Science courses at the Helena College of Technology.
Rich married his devoted wife, Doris, on October 20, 1990, in Reno, Nevada. Their marriage and partnership brought him much happiness, and their love was evident and emanating. A proud father of four children, Rich was delighted by their success and happiness. He enjoyed seeing his grandchildren pursue higher education and careers that allow them to give back to their communities.
Ever the outdoorsman, Rich spent his childhood hunting and fishing with his father. As an adult, this love of the outdoors blossomed into a passion for gardening and keeping his lawn maintained to the utmost perfection. His green thumb provided a stunning array of flowers in the summer and a delicious harvest every fall. When he wasn’t digging in the dirt to plant bulbs or pull weeds, Rich was often found on the fairway or in the bowling alley. As an active member of Moose Lodge 1239, Rich was exceptionally proud of the numerous charitable and civic activities that he participated in as a Moose member. He was particularly touched by the many young people who received an education in part due to his actions with the club.
Rich is survived by his wife, Doris; sons, Robert (Michalene) Levandowski of Helena, Timothy (Jodie) Levandowski of Great Falls, David Levandowski of Casper, WY; daughter, Rhea Baylor of Great Falls; sister, Karen (Martin) Basta of Great Falls; cousin, Donnie (Mary) Levandowski; sister-in-law, Jeanette (Larry) Archer of Great Falls; grandchildren, Angelina (Jorge) Urbina, Tim (Marty) Levandowski, Richie (Cassie) Taylor, Cody Baylor, Brittany Levandowski, Tanner Levandowski, Chanda Levandowski, Brayden Levandowski; and great-grandchildren Elijah Simpson, Luke Urbina, and Franklynn Taylor.
A memorial service celebrating Rich’s life will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, June 18th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Avenue. A graveside service will follow at the Forestvale Cemetery, 490 Forestvale Road. A luncheon reception will follow at the Moose Lodge 639, 4750 N. Montana Avenue. Memorial donations are suggested to the West Valley Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 4024, Helena, MT 59604. Please visit below to offer a condolence or to share a memory of Rich.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Monday June 18, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
Graveside Service
Following the service
Monday June 18, 2018
Forestvale Cemetery
490 Forestvale Road
Helena , Montana 59602
Reception
Following the graveside service
Monday June 18, 2018
Moose Lodge 639
4750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Monday June 18, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
Graveside Service
Following the service
Monday June 18, 2018
Forestvale Cemetery
490 Forestvale Road
Helena , Montana 59602
Reception
Following the graveside service
Monday June 18, 2018
Moose Lodge 639
4750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
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Sacramenta Landrum says
My deepest condolences to the Levandowski family and friends for the loss of your loved one Richard. You be reunited with Richard again very soon right here on a brand new Paradise Earth under Jesus Christ Kingdom rule Daniel 2:44 that he taught his followers to pray to come in the Lord’s Prayer Matthew 6: 9,10, no more sickness pain or death Life Without End Revelation 21:1-5.
Debbie (Card) Morrison says
Dearest Doris:
My heart is just breaking for you. Words completely fail me. I am in such shock! I just saw you both at my mom’s memorial. This is so very sad and I’m so very sorry for your loss. I pray that God will help ease your pain and hold you in his arms.
Debbie
Gail Mann says
Dear Doris and family. My heart is broken to hear of Grandpa Rich’s passing. I wish I could be there with you all to celebrate his life and share memories as there are many. He will always be a big part of my life and I will miss him terribly. He was a good and faithful servant and spent his life in service to others. Please know that my heart and prayers are with you all. Hugs to everyone. Love Gail
Harley and Judy Warner says
Doris: We are very sorry for your great loss. Rich was a true carry man. The world has lost a person who truly lived to serve those around him. Judy and I will pray for you and your family.
Jay Redfern says
Doris: So sorry about Rich’s passing.
Jay and Shari
Michelle says
Doris
So sorry to hear of Rich’s passing….I always got a kiss and hug from him, So glad I got to visit with you both a few weeks ago. Let me know if you need anything. Thoughts, prayers, and Love to you.
Michelle
Kathy Carrette says
Doris,
So sorry to hear this news. It was so good to see you two the other day and to have such a great visit with Rich. We loved that guy so much, and we love you. There will never be another charming, smart, funny, ornery, quick person like Rich. I’m a better person for knowing him.
Jacki & Cliff says
Doris and family;
I am so sorry to hear of Rich’s passing. What a vibrate person to have lost. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts & prayers are with you all.
Dottie Wilson says
Doris and family,
As a Great Falls High School classmate of Rich’s, I remember his positive and kind personality. His contribution to our classes’ “Bison Buzz” monthly newsletter was appreciated. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Dottie Wilson (Dorothy Acord – GFHS Class of 1955)
Laura Whale says
Doris,
So sorry to hear of Rich’s passing! I was just thinking of you two the other day. I will never forget you both taking me under your wings, taking me to Reno for bowling the first time and having me over dinner! Such fun!! Laura (Hunter) Whale
Bob 'Nooner' Nieuwenhuyse says
Dear Doris and Your Family,
My sincerest condolences and heartfelt sympathy. We spent many years working together in the Fire Service and on the Fire Marshal Bureau. I will long remember His quick wit, twinkling eyes and gregarious, throaty laugh. His leadership as State Fire Marshal was exemplary … treating the safety of the citizens of Montana and the welfare of his Staff with the greatest of concern and efforts.
May all of you be comforted in the pain of Rich’s passing that he was so sincerely dedicated to his God, his Family and his Profession that so positively effected so many lives.
May God Bless, Comfort and Strengthen you.
Al Carrette says
Sorry for your loss Doris and Family, Rich always made a bright spot in my day when I saw him. I’ve known him since I was a child in Great Falls, he used to bowl with my dad in n the Elk’s league at Murph’s bowling center. So sad to hear about his passing
Love Al
Karen Basta says
Dearest Rich, It’s Karen your sister, you were always my hero growing up. You protected me from harm.
My hero is gone now; gone to be with mom and dad and brother Ron. You will always be in my heart.
Rest In Peace my brother. Rest In Peace.
Ed White says
My condolences to the family. I only knew Rich briefly, but he left a lasting impression of a great guy.
Andy Schindele says
My deepest regards to the family of Papa Rich