Levi W. Stutzman, age 83 of Peru and formerly of Elwood, died Wednesday, April 11, 2012 at Blair-Ridge Health Campus in Peru following an extended illness. He was born March 17, 1929 in Johnson County, Iowa, the son of Ervin J. and Lydia A. (Bontrager) Stutzman. Levi was a parts driver for Autozone in Elwood for 15 years, and formerly retired from Airfoil-Textron Corporation in Elwood after 26 years of service working in machine setup. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving during the Korean War. He married Sharon K. Stroud on May 13, 1966. Levi was a member of the Elwood Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; the American Legion in Gas City; and A.A.R.P. He enjoyed fishing, camping, and spending time with his family – especially his grandchildren.

Survivors include 5 children, Cheri (Don) Tucker of Elwood, Gary (Linda) Stutzman of Anderson, Patricia (Bob) Gillam of Tipton, Levi W. Stutzman, II of Elwood, and Charlie (Stacie) Stutzman of Peru; 4 sisters, Barbara (Lloyd) Bender of Iowa, Ada Stutzman of Iowa, Alta Widmer of Iowa, Anna Raber of Florida; 3 brothers, Ervin "EJ" Stutzman of Illinois, Leroy Stutzman of Iowa, and Stanley (Shirley) Stutzman of Iowa; 15 Grandchildren; 6 Great-Grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Levi was preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 41 years, Sharon K. (Stroud) Stutzman who died March 3, 2008; First wife, Allory Stutzman; 2 daughters, Teresa Stutzman and Margaret Stutzman; great-grandson, Finnigan.

Funeral services will be conducted at 6:00 PM Friday, April 13, 2012 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Dean Worsley officiating. Visitation will be held from 3 to 6 PM Friday prior to the funeral service at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home. Burial will take place on Saturday, April 14, 2012 in Sharon Hill Cemetery in Kalona, Iowa. Memorial contributions may be made to the Elwood Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 6025 West S.R. 28, Elwood, IN 46036.