Thomas Edward “Coach Lev” Levandoski died peacefully at home Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021, in Valparaiso, Ind., after battling cancer for over four years.
He was born in 1949 in La Porte, Ind., to Edward and Dorothy (Bode) Levandoski.
A 1968 La Porte High School graduate, Tom later graduated from Purdue University in 1971 with a degree in English and a minor in physical education. Tom taught English and then physical education at Portage High School from 1971-2007, where he also coached varsity baseball, served as assistant wrestling coach, and helped the cross country team with its summer camp. In Tom’s honor, the Portage cross country team opened its recent meet with a special song that Tom helped create while working with the team years ago.
On Aug. 5, 1988, in Valparaiso, Tom married Kathy (McKibben) Levandoski, who survives him.
He is also survived by his brothers, Bill and Bob (Cheryl), both of La Porte; five nephews, Kellin Lambirth of Lafayette, Ind., David (Bethany) McKibben of Tucson, Ariz., Jason (Jaymee) McKibben of Tucson, Eric McKibben of Tucson, and Payton Holub of La Porte; one niece, Maddie McKibben of La Porte; two brothers-in-law, Dave (Christina) McKibben of Sahuarita, Ariz., and Dan (Carrie) McKibben of La Porte; and his mother-in-law, Thelma McKibben of Valparaiso.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, Sept. 2, at 4 p.m. at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 6540 Central Ave., Portage, Ind. A memorial visitation will be held Thursday from 2 p.m. until the service at the church.
The family of Tom Levandoski kindly requests that in lieu of flowers, you direct donations to St. Peter Lutheran Church, 6540 Central Ave., Portage, Ind. 46368. Tom served his church in many ways, including donating his time mowing the church’s lawn for nearly 40 years.
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