William Royce Levin, oldest son of William H. and Erna (nee Engelke) Levin was born on the family farm in Swan Township, Smith County, on June 14, 1930 and died at Smith Center Health and Rehab on August 18, 2024. He was baptized at home on June 15, 1930 and confirmed at Germantown Lutheran Church on July 5, 1942.
His elementary education was at the Germantown country school and he graduated from the Kensington High School with the class of 1947.
He served with the United States Army with tours of duty in Austria and Italy. Royce and his family resided on the family farm until his retirement from farming in 2018. On May 29, 1952 he united in marriage to Donna Beth Smith and born to this union were daughters Teresa and Lisa and a stillborn son, Kurt. His love for farming continued until he could no longer endure the heavy work and long hours it required. He became a farm toy collector and a builder of farm machine models, along with setting up a model railroad for relaxing, leisure time. Royce was a life time member of First St. John Lutheran Church in Kensington. Survivors are: his wife, his daughters, grandsons Travis, Keith and Paul, great grandsons Tristin and Koen, nieces, nephews and grandnephews along with great-grandnieces. Preceding him in death is a brother, son-in-law and niece.
Funeral services will be held Friday, August 23 at 10:30 a.m. in the First St. John Lutheran Church with Pastor Dave Hutson officiating. Burial will follow in the Germantown Cemetery, Smith Co. with Military Honors by the Kensington American Legion.
The casket will be closed. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 9:00 Wed. & 9:00 to 9:00 Thursday at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel with the family receiving friends from 5:30 to 7:00 Thursday evening.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Church, Germantown Cemetery or the Kensington Fire Dept.
Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.