Levi Van Curen

Levi Van Curen, 33, of Delta Junction, Alaska, passed away unexpectedly on November 13, 2021. 

He was born July 10, 1988 in Olean, New York to Connie (John) Dubots and Preston (Wendy) Van Curen, who survive.

He was a 2006 graduate of Kodiak High School on Kodiak Island, Alaska. Levi was a proud Corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2006-2010, serving in Iraq during Operation Enduring Freedom. He would later continue work as a civilian contractor in Afghanistan from 2019-2021.

Witnessing atrocities around the world gave him a unique perspective and unwavering appreciation for his country and freedoms. Those experiences guided him for the rest of his life. His professionalism and skills shined amidst chaos.

Upon returning, he would retreat to the quiet woods and sea, usually back in Alaska. This is where Levi thrived. After some time alone, he would spend weeks or months making his rounds visiting family & friends throughout the country.

Raised an outdoorsman, he maintained a high level of respect for the wilderness. Growing up on Kodiak Island, one really had no choice but to love the outdoors and Levi welcomed that opportunity. An incredibly skilled hunter, fisherman and beaver trapper; Levi learned to fish soon after he learned to walk.

As a young boy, he would catch New York State’s largest Bluegill in a secret spot at the family pond.  As an adult, he knew his way around the ruthless Bering Sea as good as anyone, fishing commercially for multiple seasons. He was also a participant of the very first Montana Warriors on the Water fishing trip. The organization remembered him and his friends as “one of the many highlights of that trip, not only for their comradeship, but for their share of shenanigans, too!”

Whether it was a calm, sunny afternoon at his grandmother’s pond or on the high seas, Levi was always in control and always a master of his craft.

His activities extended well beyond the sea and the deep woods. Levi also loved to play hockey. In Alaska, he played youth hockey and continued playing throughout high school. He worked at the ice rink and spent as much time there as he could. One would have thought it was the NHL because he took it so seriously, but friends and family loved watching him. He was always laughing with the guys and his family would always get a kick at the end of the games, when he would run up and tell his siblings, “Did you see me do that?!”

On July 21, 2015, he became a father to son Konnar, who survives.

In addition to his son and parents, he is survived by siblings Alicia Van Curen (Brian Gobble), Gunnar Van Curen, Maddie Van Curen, his grandmother Ellyson Van Curen, nephews Lucius and Lincoln, step-siblings Leah, John T., and Matt, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, bonus family members, and friends whom he dearly loved.

Levi was predeceased by grandparents Jack and Barbara Cradduck, Mel Van Curen and Wilma Roberts.

While all who knew him will be asking why his life ended in its prime, we do know Levi truly persevered through a full spectrum of the human experience. From the hardships of war, to the tough moments of losing friends and bearing witness to suffering, he had a rugged shell, but possessed a bleeding heart, witty sense of humor and a fierce loyalty to those he cherished.

His siblings say they could not have asked for a better brother.

Levi was a shining light whose laugh was contagious. He reminded us all to keep laughing, not take life too seriously and always follow our own path. He taught us to forge our way through life confidently, hold our heads high and to always have a fierce attitude. He seemed to conquer everything and have gone everywhere.

Levi’s spirit and energy will forever be with us. Semper Fi.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. Funeral arrangements are under the direction Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 51 S. Main Street, Portville, NY.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Online condolences can be expressed at www.guentherfh.com.