Alvin Ronald Levra

EAGLE RIVER, Wis. - Alvin Ronald Levra, 86, died Saturday, May 27, 2017, in Eagle River.

He was born Dec. 10, 1930, to Anton and Irene (Eilo) Levra, in Iron Belt. He was raised there and grew up with the love of the outdoors that remained with him the rest of his life. He spent his last days watching deer, squirrels, rabbits and birds from his window in the woods.

He attended Iron Belt School and, after graduating, he joined the U.S. Air Force, making it his lifelong career. He served in Korea and Vietnam. He retired as a Master Sergeant E7.

It was on a tour in northern Maine that he met and fell in love with his bride, Martha Thompson, of 62 years. She survives.

They traveled all over the country while raising three children together.

Alvin loved people and was a natural-born teacher. He had so much knowledge to share. He was truly and a Jack-of-all-trades. When we were little, we thought he knew everything; and it turns out he pretty much did.

Papa had so many skills. He was an excellent marksman, taxidermist, wood worker, cabinet maker and wood carver. He was involved with the Iron Belt Shooting Range. He loaded his own ammo and shot trap in a league; and he hand-tied his own fishing flies. The thing he loved best was four-wheeling all over Iron County.

In retirement, he joined the Highline Corporation for several years and was in charge of their woodworking facility. This was a time of his life that he really enjoyed. Alvin touched and enriched so many lives. He was dearly loved and will be deeply missed, until we meet again Papa.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother and sister-in-law, Anton and Marianne Levra; a sister, Janice Perrero; an infant sister, Adeline; and a great-granddaughter, Rylie Jo Ludtke, the apple of his eye.

He is survived by his wife, Martha; his children, Jim (Janice) Levra, of Anchorage, Alaska, Rhonda (Ronnie) Antunez, of Eagle River, and Tony (Debbie) Levra, of Wasilla, Alaska; grandchildren, Jayme (Jack) Tamble, of Kimball, Cody (Stephanie) Reynolds of Endeavor, Jacob (Jacqueline) Levra, of Wasilla, Mitchell Levra, of Wasilla, Jared (Destiny) Levra, of Wasilla, Vince Levra, of Wasilla, and Trent Levra, of Wasilla; great-grandchildren, Miles Levra, Maya Levra, Dahlia Hendrickson, Briac McGilvra, Lilly McGilvra, Eden Levra and Sophia Reynolds; and many nieces, nephews and other loved ones and dear friends.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorials are suggested to Rylie's Ride events, benefiting scholarships for Hurley K-12 School graduates.