James William Filitz

James W. Filitz, age 83, of Neillsville, WI died on Saturday, June 12, 2021 at the House of the Dove in Marhsfield, WI.

James William Filitz was born on April 13, 1938 to Herbert and Mary (Bricken) Filitz in Neillsville.  He was united in marriage to Anne Dehart on October 12, 1963.

Jim was a plain spoken man who loved his community, his country, his family and extended family. His great calling was to volunteer his time, energy, and dedication to community organizations. 4-H Club, Scoutmaster for Neillsville Boy Scout Troop 64, Instructor/Head Instructor of Neillsville Hunter Education, delivery driver for Angel Tree project, and several stints as a Deacon for United Church of Christ. He absolutely loved and was in awe of the outdoors. He was in the woods, fishing the Black River, and depending on the time of year, sitting on the ice or in a boat with bait in the water. Always enjoying the serenity he found in those places. He served 20 years in the Neillsville National Guard unit. He was an ardent supporter of the Neillsville American Legion. After retiring from the salt mines, he and his wife Anne, took many trips via bus or train all over the United States and Canada. A reward for the many years of hard work and tight budgeting. He continued to give generously and quietly to local organizations he felt were doing the public good even as his health began to falter.

Jim is survived by his children, Cinda Filitz of NewYork, NY, Lauren (John) Czajka of Mukwanago, WI and James Filitz of North Mankato, MN, 4 grandchildren, Matt (Lynn) Czajka, Tim Czajka, Andy Czajka and Jenny (Alex) Chiello and 3 great grandchildren, Cadence, Sadie and Bryce.  Jim was loved by the families of Todd and Barb Stewart and Joe and Michelle Kranz.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Anne.

Funeral services for Jim will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, June 17, 2021 at the United Church of Christ in Neillsville, WI.  Pastor Jacoba Koppert will officiate.  Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Thursday morning prior to the service at the church.  Interment will be in Neillsville City Cemetery.  Military Honors will be accorded by the Neillsville Veteran’s Council.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Clark County Humane Society, W3926 State Highway 73, Neillsville, WI  54456 or United Church of Christ, 515 W. 2^nd St., Neillsville, WI, 54456 or The House of the Dove, 1000 W. 11^th St., Marshfield, WI  54449.

Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.

Gesche Funeral Home and Cremation Service is assisting Jim’s family with Funeral arrangements.