Robert "Bob" Leroy Filtz

Robert "Bob" Leroy Filtz, Shantytown, passed away peacefully at his home on the morning of July 6th, 2022. He was surrounded by his family and was able to have his last wish granted which was to die at home.

Bob's adventurous life started on December 8, 1942 when he was born at home to his parents Ted and Caroline Filtz. He grew up in the town of Bevent learning that hard work and enjoying the outdoors would forever stay in his blood.

Bob attended Rosholt High School and later earned his GED through the Army. He enlisted on March 31, 1960 and was very proud to serve as one of the youngest sergeants in his group. He served mainly in Korea until his honorable discharge on March 29, 1963

Upon returning home Bob married the love of his life Elaine Nievinski on June 27, 1964 at Saint Florian Church in Hatley. The couple recently celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary. They originally lived in Stevens Point until permanently settling in Shantytown in 1968. It was at their home on the lake that they raised their three children Corky, Brian and Beckie. Bob instilled the same values of hard work and love of nature in his children that he learned as a child.

Bob worked various construction jobs upon his return from the Army. He served as a drywaller and mason. Then in February of 1967 he discovered his career choice being a Railroad Engineer. He served as an engineer for 39 years - first for the Soo Line, followed by Wisconsin Central and finally retiring from Canadian National in 2005. Bob was able to share his love of trains by taking members of his family with him on as many journeys as he could. He was most proud of his accomplishments as a hardworking railroad man and as family had helped him to get that job, he was more than happy to help others get employed there also.

Anyone who knew Bob knows he was an avid storyteller. For years he was called the "Shantytown Paparazzi" because of his love for taking pictures. His family will tell you he was also known as the other "Man in Black" as you rarely saw him in any color other than black. Bob and Elaine had the largest garden in Shantytown for many years tending to pickles and pumpkins and a wide array of vegetables.

Bob loved to play softball and carried his shoes and his glove in his truck all summer long "just in case" a team would need him. Living on the lake and working on his land were the two highlights of his days. Taking his tractor or four-wheeler to the hunting shack was a daily routine after retirement. He loved nature and watching the birds, deer, bear, ducks and Elaine's geese "Gertrude and Heathcliff" in his backyard.  Many remember the turtle soup at the hunting shack parties and know that Bob was the proud founder of the "F-in A" gang.

Family was the most important thing to Bob. He sacrificed his time working so his family could thrive and get ahead in the world.  Holidays were so special, and he enjoyed watching his kids, grandkids and great grandkids at every event that he could make. Bob was a proud lifetime member of the Elderon VFW Post 8086. He was proud to serve as a member of the Honor Guard when he could. He was able to be a part of the October 2018 Honor Flight with his daughter Beckie at his side.

Bob is survived by his wife of 58 years, Elaine, his children Curtis "Corky" (Roxanne) Filtz, Brian (Jill Sparhawk) Filtz and Beckie (Wayne) Gizzi. He is further survived by his grandchildren Scott (Andrea) Bembenek, Cassie (Dan) Borski, Clayton Robert Filtz and Lizzi Elaine Gizzi. He was a very proud great grandfather of Elenie, Mavrie and Boone Borski and arriving in November Baby Bembenek.  He was also welcoming Jill's son, Noah LaMaide, as a grandchild in January of 2023. Bob is further survived by his siblings Arnie "Yogi" (Theresa) Filtz, and Sue Rombalski, sisters and brothers-in-law Ray and Lorraine Check, Lee-Ann and Mike Budleski, Damon Dallman and Diane Filtz.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ted and Caroline Filtz, his in-laws Leon and Irene Nievinski, an infant brother and sister, his sister Shirley Dallman and his brother Ted Filtz, Jr. He was also preceded in death by his brother-in-law Peter Rombalski.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Robert will be held on Saturday July 16, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Ladislaus Catholic Church 173141 WI-153 Hatley Wisconsin. Father Augustine Bentil will officiate. Graveside prayers along with military honors will follow the funeral mass. Visitation on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until time of service at the church. Pisarski Funeral Homes are honored to be serving the family. For online condolences please visit www.pisarskifuneralhome.com

The family would like to say a special thank you to Interim Hospice Care, especially Sandi Kaminski, Rochelle, Roseann, Monica, Leslie and Tacy for their excellent care in helping to keep Bob comfortable at home during his last days.  In addition, the family would like to thank Rita and Daniel Betker for being the best neighbors and friends and such a big help during Bob's illness. We would also like to thank Sister Mary Ellen Diermeier for her prayers and visits with Bob and his family.