Roger Levine
Roger Levine, 88, Albert Lea, Minn., passed away Thursday, May 1, 2025, after a brief, but hard-fought battle with cancer. He died peacefully, surrounded by family. A memorial service will be held at Bridge Community Church, Saturday, May 24, at 11 a.m., with visitation beginning at 9 a.m.
Roger was born to Adolph and Jemina Levine. He grew up valuing hard work, spending his early years living the rural farm life and later working at L & M Plastics, Lake Mills, and dedicating 30 years to his role as a maintenance man at St. John’s Lutheran Nursing Home, Albert Lea, Minn.; retiring at 77 years of age.
As a child, he had many challenges because of his hearing loss. In spite of this, he managed to play football, serve in the Army and live a productive life. Hearing aids were a bother, In later years, he acquired a cochlear implant and was finally able to hear the ‘nature’ sounds he so loved.
On July 8, 1978, Roger met the love of his life, Janet, and they were married Sept. 22, 1980. Together, they shared over four decades of partnership rooted in love, commitment, and family. They spent many summers camping with loved ones and sharing a deep affection for their dogs that were always a part of their lives. Sam, Cola, Sugar and Skeeter to name the last.
Roger was known for his quiet presence, by those close to him, for his dry sense of humor, unwavering loyalty and faith in the Lord. He found joy in the simple things: a cup of coffee, collecting guns, browsing thrift shops, time spent in his garage, and watching Gunsmoke and Fox News. He was a master of “repurposing” who created useful items from scraps of material, once making a rolling storage cart for his snow blower out of a skateboard and a discarded metal ramp.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Janet; his children: Jeffrey (Nova) Levine, Des Moines; Michael (Pat) Levine, Thompson; and Brian (Audrey) Levine, Ioni; stepchildren: Gary (Lorry) Sorbo, Emmons, Minn.; David Sorbo, Lakewood, Colo.; Barbara Sorbo Goodeman, Albert Lea, Minn.; and John Sorbo, Mason City; brother, Harold (Juanita), Kiester Minn.; grandchildren: Jeffery (Kendra) Levine; Johanna (Drew) Laidig; Jessica (Brice) Reisinger; Amanda (Aaron Holz) Drazkowski; Scott (Emily) Levine; Casey Levine; Matthew (Heather) Levine; Christopher (Kimberlee) Levine; and Nicole Levine; sister-in-law, Mary (Wayne) Levine, Owatonna, Minn.; and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Roger was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings: Raymond (Arlene), Paul (Dora), and Wayne (Mary); and sisters-in-law: Carol (Wayne) Levine, Dora Levine, Arlene Levine, and Juanita Levine.
