Robert Edward Filz

Robert (Bob) Edward Filz, 91, of Bowen, Illinois, passed away peacefully Sunday, March 1, at the Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy.

He was born on November 30, 1934, in Keokuk, Iowa, to Phillip Edward and Marguerite Schmid Filz of Wayland, Missouri. Bob was affectionately known as “Big,” as the older brother of his twin Richard “Tiny.” He graduated from Wayland High School in 1952.

Bob was drafted by the Army in 1957 and served during peacetime, where he was stationed primarily in Germany. After his honorable discharge, he attended Northeast Missouri State in Kirksville, where he earned his teaching degree. Bob taught junior high social studies for Southeastern Junior High in Bowen for more than 30 years.

On June 18, 1971, he married the love of his life, Edith (Price) Filz, in Wayland, Missouri. They spent more than 54 years as husband and wife. His wife, children and grandchildren were the joys of his life, and an answer to his prayers.

Bob was of the Catholic faith and a member of the Knights of Columbus for more than 50 years. He enjoyed coaching youth sports teams, traveling, reading, gardening and spending time with his family. An avid sports fan, Bob was a lifelong supporter of Notre Dame Fighting Irish football and the Chicago Cubs, and also enjoyed attending stock car races.

He adored animals and children, especially his three children and four grandchildren, whom he would often refer to as precious. His two cats and his grandpups also brought him great joy. He was a gentle, kind-hearted, soft-spoken, compassionate, charitable, honest and loving soul who was full of faith and who will be dearly missed.

He is survived by his loving wife, Edie, their children Robert T. Filz of Bowen, Illinois, Monica (John) Grizzle of LeRoy, Illinois, and Valerie (Jeffrey) Johnston of Chatham, Illinois; his grandchildren, Brady and Carter Grizzle and Hunter and Ella Johnston; his sister Joanne (Karl) Hopson; his sister-in-law, Pat (Richard) Filz; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Phillip and Marguerite Filz, his infant son, Robert Phillip Filz; his sisters Phyllis Burke and Vera Zinnert; and his brothers, Alan Filz and Richard Filz.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 5, at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage from 4-6 p.m. with rosary following. The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, March 6, at Immaculate Conception Church in Carthage, Illinois. The burial will be at Frazee Cemetery in Wayland, Missouri.

We would like to thank the staff at Blessing Hospital, Blessing Hospice, and the staff at the Illinois Veterans’ Home in Quincy for the wonderful care. We are deeply grateful for the comfort and dignity you gave to Bob, and for the support you showed our entire family.

Memorials can be made to Immaculate Conception Church in Carthage or to the Alzheimer’s Association.