Levern Fortin

Levern C. Fortin, 96, 805 Baker St., Plymouth, died of natural causes at 4:45 a.m. on Friday, April 23, 2004, in Pilgrim Manor Care Center, 222 Parkview St., Plymouth.
Born in Beaverville, Ill., on September 4, 1907, the son of Edwin J. and Addie Tebo Fortin, Levern has been a resident of Plymouth for the past four years, having lived for 29 years in Clearwater, Fla., and formerly of Whiting, Ind., and Beaverville, Ill.
He was involved in Beaverville High School athletics particularly basketball. After completing Teachers College in Normal, Ill., he taught elementary grades in a one-room schoolhouse for five years.
Levern and Agnes met while walking to Whiting’s Sacred Heart Church, where he sang in the choir. On June 26, 1935, he and Agnes B. Doody were married. They enjoyed almost 69 years of marriage together. He made a career in the U.S. Postal Service first as a carrier in 1930, then a postal clerk & inspector. On October 1, 1949 he was named Postmaster by President Harry S. Truman and he retired in 1965.
Levern and Agnes loved to travel, having visited Brazil three times. He enjoyed camping, bowling, shuffle board and dancing. A Chicago Cub fan, he derived joy from watching high school athletics, particularly basketball.
A Past Grand Knight of the Whiting Council 1696, Knights of Columbus, he was past president of the National Association of Postmasters, Indiana Chapter.
Levern is survived by his devoted wife and by their five sons and daughters-in-law. They are: Edwin A. and Joan Fortin, North Las Vegas, Nev.; William L. and Marilyn Fortin, Plymouth, Ind.; Charles J. and Adrienne Fortin, Bethesda, Md.; Timothy J. and Mary Ann Fortin, Merton, Wis.; and Thomas A. and Debbie Fortin, Chicago, Ill.
Eleven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren survive as well, together with a sister, Idabelle Lucas, Munster, Ind. Rosemary Fruits, a cousin, Plymouth, also survives.
Levern was preceded in death by his parents and by Willard Fortin, a brother, and Marie Van Kuren, a sister.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, April 26, 2004, at 11 a.m. by the Rev. Father William Kummer, pastor of St. Michael’s Church, 625 N. Center St., Plymouth, where Levern was a member.
There will be no visitation. Inurnment will be in Curlew Hills Memorial Gardens, Clearwater, Fla.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts to St. Michael’s Church or School will be appreciated by the family.