Charles Dean “Charlie” Filipi, was born July 2, 1954, and passed away at home, April 7, 2025, at the age of 70 years, 9 months and 5 days.
He was born to Frank and Evelyn (Synovec) Filipi in Crete. He attended County School District 9 until fifth grade, then attended Wilber Clatonia Public School, graduating with the Class of 1972.
Farming was a large part of his life. Throughout his years of farming, he also served on both The ASCS Board and Farmer’s Co-op Board of Directors. He was also employed at Teut Trucking in Crete as a mechanic and truck driver. After resigning from farming full time in 1993, he began working at local implement dealers in Crete and Beatrice. In 2001, Charlie purchased his own semi-truck and hopper trailer and hauled grain locally until retiring in 2017 due to health issues. After retirement, he still enjoyed helping with field work and harvesting whenever possible.
Charlie was a long-time member of the Wilber Son’s of American Legion Post 101. During this time, he worked the same closing shift on Friday nights at the Legion Hamburger Stand at the Czech Festival for 40+ years.
On Sept. 10, 1977, he was united in marriage to Arlene Bartels at Zion Lutheran Church near Tobias. This union was blessed with two children, Jennifer and Aaron, whom Charlie was very proud of. In addition to his two children, he was also very proud of his three granddaughters. He loved spending time with them and especially enjoyed taking them to Crystal Springs in Fairbury to feed the “wild” geese. Taking the girls fishing and attending countless games, concerts and activities is something Charlie really enjoyed and took a lot of pride in.
Charlie had a deep love for land and nature and was proud to make his home on the family farm that was homesteaded by his ancestors in 1879.
Well known for his sociable nature and creativity, he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Pastimes include gardening, where he always tried being the first to start his garden before anyone else. He also enjoyed cooking. To make sure everyone would be satisfied, he took it upon himself to provide multiple pots of chili during Christmas gatherings. Charlie also loved his Labrador Retrievers. To say he spoiled his four-legged friends would be an understatement. But some family members may say the four-legged friends spoiled Charlie just as much.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Evelyn Filipi, in-laws, Martin and Lorna Bartels; brother, Gary Filipi, sister-in-law, Kathy Filipi; and brother-in-law, Edward Kotas
Charlie is survived by his wife of 47 years, Arlene of Wilber; daughter, Jennifer Filipi of Clatonia; son, Aaron (Brittany) Filipi of Wilber; three granddaughters, Brianna Darling, and Avery, and Adelyn Filipi; mother Virgina Filipi; brothers, Frank and Larry (Jane) Filipi; sister, Susie (Lawrence) Bussard; sisters-in-law, Linda Kotas, Ardell (Richard) Endorf, Diane (Alan) Krupicka; aunts, Phyllis Filipi, Delores Shufeldt; and numerous nephews, nieces and friends.
The funeral service will be Friday, April 11, at 2 p.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Crete. Memorial contributions are suggested in care of the family for future designation.
Arrangements by Kuncl Funeral Home.
