Charlie Levett

Charles John Levett, 92, of Cedar Falls, died Monday, October 3, 2005, at the Cedar Falls Lutheran Home. He was born May 21, 1913, in Oelwein, Iowa, son of Charles and Anna K. (Peters) Levett. Charlie graduated from Oelwein High School in 1929. He was a field representative for the Dodge Chemical Company and then attended Iowa State Teachers College until drafted into the U.S. Army during W.W. II. Charlie served as a medic with the 4th Infantry Division in Europe and participated in the Battle of Normandy. He was wounded in battle and received the Purple Heart for this service to his country. Charlie married Gertrude Clara Radischat from Arlington, Iowa, on March 24, 1937 in Oelwein, Iowa, and they had two children, Jim and Valerie. Charlie worked for Federated Funeral Directors of America for over fifty years, covering the states of Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Illinois, and North and South Dakota, before his retirement. Gertrude died on January 22, 1974. Charlie then married Donabel U. Richardson on February 14, 1976, in Cedar Falls. Charlie loved life, his family and his friends. He became fascinated with circuses and magic at an early age, and over the years developed into a master magician and nationally recognized card manipulator and sleight-of-hand artist. He performed at U.S.O. shows during W.W. II and continued to entertain both large and small groups in his community and throughout the state during his entire life. Charlie was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, the Elks Club, Black Hawk Lodge #65 A.F. & A.M., Scottish Rite Temple, El Kahir Shrine, Circus Fans Association of America, and the International Brotherhood of Magicians. Survived by his wife, Donabel of Cedar Falls; one son, Dr. Jim Levett, his wife Paula and daughters, Christine, Catherine, Suzanne, and Mary of Cedar Rapids; and one daughter, Valerie Levett, her husband Kit Stolz and their daughters Anna and Emily of Ojai, CA. He is also survived by: three step-children, Bob (JoDee) Richardson of Cedar Falls; Donna Kay (Larry) Glass of Great Falls, Virginia; and Don (Jean) Richardson of Cedar Falls; eight step-grandchildren and eight step great grandchildren. Preceding Charlie in death were his parents and a brother, Harry Levett.