Franklin Levi Sires

Franklin "Levi" Sires, 75, of Waterloo, Iowa, passed away peacefully on June 7, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Levi was born on April 10, 1951, in Cedar Falls, Iowa, to Floyd and Wilfarene (St. John) Sires. From an early age, he possessed an inventive mind, endless curiosity, and a desire to understand how things worked. Those qualities shaped not only his career but the way he approached life.

By the age of 27, Levi had earned a bachelor's degree in business from the University of Northern Iowa, completed his Patternmaker Journeyman certification, was a pilot, and earned his scuba diving certification. He was a modern-day Renaissance man.

In 1978, Levi married Janine Mealhow, and together they raised four children: Vennessa, Celleste, Dylan, and Tanner.

He spent much of his professional life at John Deere, where his craftsmanship, innovation, and problem-solving abilities helped bring future tractor designs to life through detailed prototype models. Beyond his work there, Levi held several patents and developed products that reflected his inventive spirit. Among them was the iconic Little Tikes Blue Pedal Jet, a toy that brought joy to countless children. He was also a pioneer in the development of plastic mailbox supports, an innovation still seen throughout neighborhoods today.

Levi had a lifelong love of art and creativity. He was a gifted sculptor, draftsman, and artist who worked in charcoal, pastel, paint, and countless other media. If he could imagine it, he could build it.

Levi was also a science enthusiast. He loved space, the stars, and the wonder of what lies beyond what we can see. He often found himself contemplating life's biggest questions, including our purpose, the meaning of existence, and what comes after this life.

Even in retirement, Levi never stopped creating. He designed custom consoles for classic vehicles and was always developing ideas for his next invention. One of his most ambitious projects was a life-size Tyrannosaurus rex, which he spent countless hours designing and building.

Those who knew Levi will remember his intelligence, kindness, compassion, creativity, and wonderful sense of humor. He loved bike riding, deep conversations, art, sculpture, old Buicks, and enjoying a good cup of decaf coffee. He had a way of making people feel comfortable and welcome. And, of course, there was his mustache, a signature part of him for nearly his entire adult life, as recognizable as his smile.

Above all else, Levi was a devoted father and grandfather. Nothing brought him more joy than supporting the people he loved. Whether it was a dance recital, sporting event, concert, graduation, or school program, he could almost always be found in the audience, proudly cheering on his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his daughters, Vennessa Sires of West Des Moines and Celleste (Joel) Kopp of West Des Moines; his sons, Dylan (Linnsey) Sires of Des Moines and Tanner Sires (Jordan Gray) of Cedar Falls; his beloved grandchildren, AWS2 Keynnion Pajazetovic (currently deployed), Indigo Kopp, Exie Sires, Floyd Sires, Robert Sires, and Phynnex Ambrose; and his brothers, Dean (Linda) Sires of Cedar Falls and Jerry (Nancy) Sires of Dunkerton.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Wilfarene Sires; his brothers, Paul Sires and Vern Sires; and his sisters, Norma "Jane" Knudsvig and June Wenzel.

Though he will be deeply missed, Levi leaves behind a legacy of creativity, curiosity, laughter, perseverance, and love. His family finds comfort in the memories, lessons, and stories he shared throughout his life. Levi had a way of quietly keeping things together for those he loved. His spirit will live on in the family, friends, and countless lives he touched.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Bien Venu Event Center, 7400 Hudson Rd. Cedar Falls, Iowa. There will be a slideshow and memory sharing from 4-6pm followed by dinner from 6-8pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.