Norman "Shorty" Level

Norman “Shorty” Lee Level, of Garrett, Indiana, passed away peacefully at Parkview Dekalb Hospital on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at the age of 85. He was born on April 19, 1939, to Francis and Lenora Level (Peifer) in Fremont, Ohio.

Norman grew up in Fremont, where he and his father owned River View Farm, and raised Ayrshire cattle and Duroc swine. He graduated from Fremont Ross High School in 1958. That year he was the State Farmer in FFA. After high school, Norman went on to serve in the Army from 1958 to 1962, where he was stationed at Fort Knox and Fort Campbell. Following his military service, he moved to Fort Wayne where he devoted 36 and a half years to his career at Shamban.

In addition to his career, Norman was a man of faith and service. He attended Day Spring Community Church and formerly Sugar Grove Church of God, where he has been an active member. Norman had a passion for horses and the farm, calling him to be an active member of the Dekalb County Horsemen's Association. He loved spending time with his family and enjoyed helping his grandchildren and great grandchildren with showing animals for 4-H. Along with the farm and his family, Norman loved woodworking and was a great craftsman.

In 1990, Norman married Darlene Perlich. He and Darlene travelled many places throughout their lives. They spent their spare time square dancing in the Skirts and Shirts Square Dancing Club for many years. 

Norman is survived by his wife of 35 years, Darlene Level (Perlich) of Garrett; his daughter, Sarah Level of Warsaw; stepsons, Allen (Diane) Perlich and Phillip Perlich, both of Albion; and his grandchildren, Josh Level, Wendy Leipe, David Perlich, Cody Perlich, Scott Bodenhafer, Brandon Perlich, Krystle Yohe, Phillip "Pete" Perlich Jr., and Dallas Perlich, 16 great-grandchildren and nieces, Deborah Smith, Donna Varney, and Jennifer Tabaka. He is also survived by Matthew Level and Amy Warren, along with many extended family members and friends. He was preceded in passing by his parents, wife Nancy Neal, sister, Margaret Bishop, and niece, Vickie Bishop.

Titus Funeral Home is entrusted with the care of Norman. Friends and family may gather for his celebration of life at the Dekalb Horseman’s Association and Draft Animal Museum, 5873 CR 427 Auburn, Indiana 46706 on Saturday, April 19, 2025, from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm. At 3, the memorial service will begin with Pastor Tim Grable officiating. The family kindly requests that donations in honor of Norman may be made to Dekalb County Horsemen’s Association, Parkview Hospice or Sugar Grove Church of God. To leave a condolence, please visit www.TitusFuneralHome.com