Levi Forest Rencontre

DULUTH, Minn. - Levi Forest Rencontre, aged 28, walked on Thursday, Dec. 28, 2023, at Essentia Health, St. Mary's Medical Center, with his father by his side, after a courageous fight against Ewing's Sarcoma.

Levi was born on Sept. 8, 1995, at Grand View Hospital in Ironwood, Michigan, to Edward Rencontre and Sandra Maki. Levi lived his early years in Bruce Crossing and later Watersmeet, Michigan, attending the Watersmeet Township School District and later the Ewen Trout Creek School. Levi and his father, Edward, moved to Ironwood, in 2007 when Levi was starting 7 grade and have resided in Ironwood since that time.

In the years after moving to Ironwood, Levi attended L.L. Wright K-12 School and was active in Junior ROTC and band. His band teacher, Steven A. Boyd and his JROTC leader, Colonel David Manki were very influential people in Levi's life.

Levi graduated from L.L. Wright High School in 2013 and attended Gogebic Community College from 2013 to 2015. After college, Levi was employed at Super One and Little Caesar's Pizza. Levi found his true vocation working at Westgate Nursing and Rehab Community, where he showed steadfast commitment through the pandemic, working tirelessly wherever needed, up until two and half years ago when his illness was diagnosed.

Levi loved video games and following sports of all kinds, especially wrestling and football. He loved being part of the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) fan base and experiencing the energy of seeing heroes Jey Uso and LA Knight in person, in August 2023. The Detroit Lions held a very special place in his heart. A huge highlight during this past year was when Levi was invited onto Ford Field to be honored at half-time during the Lions-Panthers game.

Levi is survived by his father, Edward Rencontre; and mother, Sandra Maki; grandparents, Jean and James Rencontre; grandmother, Jennifer Maki; half-siblings Jazzmyn, Josh and Bella McGeshick; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Levi was preceded in death by his grandfather, Norman Maki.

Donations in Levi's name are welcomed at the Essentia Health St. Mary's Medical Center Foundation, Duluth.

A celebration of life for Levi is scheduled for Superbowl Sunday, Feb. 11, at the Gogebic Community College, David Lindquist Student Center (upper level). Visitation is from 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m., celebration of life will be from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.and a family style pot-luck luncheon will be from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. When arriving at the college, please park in lot A and enter the Lindquist Center through Door 1. Signage will be placed to help attendees locate the event. If you are interested in bringing something for the potluck, please use this link perfectpotluck.com/YBEO0473.

For more information on Levi's celebration of life, please contact Christina Rencontre at 906-285-0520. For more information on the potluck luncheon please contact Lauchette Byrne at 906-285-0999.