Levi Greg Van Wagenen passed away suddenly and unexpectedly from a pulmonary embolism at his home on May 8, 2019. His partner Jeffrey and his families are heartbroken to say the least and will miss him forever.
Levi was born on St. Patrick\s Day March 17, 1975, which seems more than appropriate given the effervescence that Levi brought to life and which he showered on his friends. As a towheaded young boy, he made friends with everyone, especially those who had less or faced struggles. This characteristic followed him through life, always a champion for the less fortunate. This was not limited to people, he loved animals and befriended and cared for a long series of felines, canines, feathered and aquatic friends. Most dear were his beloved St Bernard, Lucy and his cherished parrot, Oscar. Most of all, Levi loved his friends and family.
Levi\s adventures started early. One day, while digging in his back yard for dinosaurs, he nearly electrocuted himself and caused electrical devices for blocks around to flicker off and on. He loved everything that was magical about life. From rock music, professional wrestling, the Chicago Bears, Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Jimmy Buffet\s Parrotheads to fully immersing himself and his friends in the joys of comic con. His home was a living testament to living life to the fullest.
In another life, Levi was an Eagle scout and served an LDS mission to Concepcion, Chili. He worked in the glass installation business, operating his own glass business before going to work for Mini of Murray as a Service Advisor. He excelled at this job, earning the love and respect of those he served and worked with, and winning many National and International awards. He loved his friends in the Mini family and loved his Mini Coopers and joining other Mini enthusiasts at road rallies and events. And we cannot forget all of his friends and fellow Harley enthusiasts. Levi loved community.
Levi is survived by his partner, Jeffrey Larsen; his parents Gregory Van Wagenen and Deborah (John) Gillette, his sister Jodi (Devin) Budge, Grandmother Beverly Van Wagenen, nephews Porter and Trey Budge, and niece Maggi Budge; by Jeffrey's mother Elaine Larsen, sister Holli (Brandon) Gipson, sister Angela Larsen, nephew Braydon Gipson, and nieces Zailey and Kaizley Gipson; by his large family of step sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews; and by a large and supportive extended family and by many, many wonderful friends who Levi would take the time to name individually and for which we apologize for not doing here. And by Oscar and the cats.
Please join us in a celebration of his life, at a service in his honor at 11:00 am on Thursday, May 16, 2019 at the LeJardin, 1910 East Dimple Dell Road, Sandy Utah followed by an open house from 12:15 pm until 2:00 pm. An Inurnment will follow at the Larkin Sunset Gardens Mausoleum, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road, Sandy, Utah.
Finsup!!!
There is a Facebook fundraiser if you are interested and able to help Jeffrey--any donations are greatly appreciated: https://www.facebook.com/donate/376625153198070/
