Levi T. Rundlett, age 4, of Iowa City died Wednesday evening, July 21, 2021, after battling cancer for more than a year. He died at home with his parents, Beth and Zack holding him and loving him through to his next journey.
Levi Thomas Rundlett was born April 6, 2017, in West Des Moines, the son of Zackery Thomas and Beth Ann (Ficek) Rundlett, younger brother of Owen, and best friend of his dog Radar.
Levi will be remembered for his big blue eyes and even bigger heart. He was a sweet, easy-going boy who was always ready for his next adventure. He enjoyed going on hikes, singing songs, climbing on playgrounds, jumping on his bed, playing with friends at his “schooly”, traveling to see family both near and far, and giving his best “Amen” at Church (which we assume he thought was a doughnut factory as he could always convince the nice ladies to give him just one more after service – again, those EYES!). His favorite adventures, however, were any that included his big brother Owen who would make up silly games for them to play and always found a way to make Levi laugh even on his hardest days.
When cancer presented him with challenges, he proved to everyone just how amazing he truly was.
He worked hard to regain strength in order to sit up, dance, and crawl. He could easily read us his favorite books, put together puzzles, and learned important life skills like how to fast forward through yucky commercials while watching Blaze. After each new feat, he would proudly exclaim, “I did it!”
He found joy in everyday moments like looking at a pretty blue sky, snuggling, or building towers just to knock them down over and over and over again. He laughed often, gave hugs, squeezes and the occasional ninja chop freely, and was always quick to say “I love you”. His four years provided a lifetime worth of happiness and memories for all who knew him. Yes, Levi, you did it!!!
His family includes his mom and dad, Beth and Zack; his big brother: Owen; grandparents: Lorry and Jim Ficek, Linda Rundlett, Tom Rundlett and Deb Colbert; great-grandmother: Donna Rundlett; aunts and uncles: Bonnie and Todd Steer, Becky and Steven Fredrickson, Bryant and Emilie Ficek, Brandy and Ben Slane, Jake and Johanna Rundlett, Joe and Anna Rundlett, and Sarah and Zach Herdliska; numerous cousins and other family members.
We’d also like to recognize Levi’s classmates and teachers at Cadence Academy, the Tipton Police Department, the University of Iowa Chemical Engineering department, our neighbors, and the entire Amazing Levi Community. Having you as a part of the journey has lifted us in ways that cannot be put into words.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, July 31, 2021, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hills, with burial to follow at the Lone Tree Cemetery, and luncheon at Lone Tree American Legion. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City. A memorial fund has been established to assist families having a similar journey in their lives. To share a thought, memory or condolence please visit the funeral home website at www.gayandciha.com or posthope.org/the-amazing-levi.
