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Obituaries

Obituaries » Levi Matthew VanDuser

Levi Matthew VanDuser

November 2, 2021 - July 25, 2022

Obituary Viewed 1617 times

Our shining light, Levi Matthew VanDuser, was born November 2, 2021, at 11:37 pm in Lakeland, Florida. He received his ultimate and eternal healing when he entered Jesus’s arms on July 25, 2022, @ 6:47 am.

Levi was born at 23 weeks and 3 days, weighing only 1 lb 7 oz and 11 inches long. He was a miracle from the start and a warrior from the moment he entered this world. But, most importantly, Levi was a ray of God’s light in this dark world. His journey reached thousands, even those across the globe.

Levi’s light started shining at Lakeland Regional Medical Center. By God’s grace, he beat all odds that were against him. He left an impact so strong that it followed him to his next mission field, Nemours Children’s Hospital in Orlando, FL.

While at Nemours, Levi’s Light grew stronger. God performed miracle after miracle in Levi’s life. Yet, even when things got hard and rough, Levi pushed through and smiled. He showed the staff and the world that through Jesus, you can find strength and joy in even the darkest and most challenging situations. He taught many that he doesn’t “follow by the books” and things can always change, especially with God writing your story.

Nemours staff was not just nurses, doctors, surgeons, respiratory therapists, physical and occupational therapists, Child Life, chaplains, Security guards, gift shop employees, and physician assistants; they are family! They became a HUGE part of Levi’s journey and legacy. Their hard work, dedication, and God-given knowledge helped Levi through some hopeless-looking situations. In 8 months, during a difficult
trial, God gave Levi and our family some truly amazing friends and medical family at Nemours. They will always be our family and friends!

I would like to say a special thank you to some incredible people.

First off, to thank Dr. Sedney. Your dedication and the love you showed Levi and us has truly changed our lives. God knew exactly what we needed when He put you in our lives. You are amazing! You spent so much time talking with us and listening when we needed an ear to hear our worries and concerns. You went above and beyond to care for our precious Levi, even when he gave you a run for your money. Thank you!

I also want to thank Dr. Liedel. When we returned to Nemours, you showed so much love and care for Levi and us. You were so dedicated to giving your all to help him grow. You gave him a chance to be a baby, to do things he had never been able to do before. You laughed with us at his dance moves and joined us in the amazement of Levi’s strength and love. Thank you for being you!

Next, a thank you to four extraordinary nurses who put 100% of their love and care into Levi. Alyssa (Big Sis), Beth (Auntie), Casey (Auntie), and Nancy (Auntie), you guys are AMAZING!!! We can never thank you enough for all you have done for our family. When covid changed things, and we couldn’t have family around, you guys became our family. Levi had the best nurses a family could ever ask for in their son’s life. Even when Levi was making his journey into heaven, you guys came from home and stayed late after work to sit with us. It showed just how much you truly cared for and loved us. Again, we can’t ever thank you enough.

To all those who became part of our family at Nemours, Thank you from the very bottom of our hearts. You made Levi’s life even more special and have been a part of the lives that were changed by his journey. Levi touched lives around the world. So many people prayed for and loved our Levi the Miracle Warrior. Thank you to every single person who followed Levi’s journey through Facebook. Through every struggle, Levi smiled. He was a perfect example of joy and love. God used Levi’s life to bring many to their knees and back to God. People’s lives were renewed in their faith in Jesus. We were even told that some decided not to end their lives because of the example Levi set. So many prayed for Levi’s healing, and he got just that. Our prayers might have not been answered exactly as we wanted but were answered exactly as God knew Levi needed. Levi no longer has to worry about sicknesses. He’s running the streets with all his cousins who entered heaven instead of earth. Being snuggled by all his grandparents and held by Jesus.

It’s important that we keep Levi’s light burning. Making sure to share the goodness, grace, and love of God. Let us ensure that the strength we found in the Lord during Levi’s life never ends or fades. Keep Levi’s testimony alive and celebrate his new perfect heavenly body.

Levi is loved by many family members here on earth. Mom & Dad (Kristen & Timothy VanDuser), four sisters (Mary, Zoey, Kayla, and Allison), Grandparents (Freddy & Cheryl VanDuser, Jimmy & Creela Coleman), Great GrandParents (Papaw Milford Morgan & Grandma Virginia Coleman), many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He’s also loved by many family friends and even those he never got to meet.

Levi’s Memorial Service is this Saturday, July 30, 2022.
The family will receive friends at 10 am EST.
The memorial services will follow at 10:30 am EST.
The service will be held at First Baptist Church of Auburndale
300 Main Street
Auburndale, FL 33823

The service is open to the public and will be streamed on Facebook live.
There will be NO viewing or graveside service to follow.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Ronald McDonald House at Nemours in Levi’s name.
6551 Nemours Pkwy
Orlando, FL 32827
There will be a basket for donations to the Ronald McDonald House at the service if you are attending and would like to donate.