James Philip Filzen

James P. Filzen, age 75, of Litchfield died Saturday, October 9, 2010, at Meeker Memorial Hospital in Litchfield, MN. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, October 18, 2010, at the Church of St. Philip in Litchfield, MN, with Father Joseph Steinbeisser officiating. There will be a visitation at the church on Monday beginning at 9:30 AM and Knights of Columbus Rosary will be held at 9:45 AM. There will be a luncheon following Mass at the church. Visitation will be Sunday, October 17 from 4 PM until 8 PM at the Church of St Philip with a prayer service at 8 PM. Private interment at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Memorials preferred to St. Philip's Catholic School. James Philip Filzen, the son of Erwin and Matilda (Huiras) Filzen, was born May 1, 1935, in Burnstown Township and was raised with his five siblings on a farm near Danube, MN. Following graduation from Danube High School in 1953, Jim served his country in the Army National Guard from 1953-1957, first in Olivia and then in Litchfield. Jim met the love of his life, Lois Heiderscheidt, and they were united in marriage on May 2, 1959, in Leavenworth, MN. This union was blessed with seven children: Mary, Jane, Joseph, Theresa, Catherine, JoAnn, and Judy. Family was very important to Jim and Lois, and they raised their children on their family farm in Meeker County. Jim passed on to his children precious gifts about life and he worked hard to support his family. Jim chose to protect and serve others by joining the Minnesota State Patrol on May 1, 1957. Jim was a State Trooper for over 33 years, and was based out of Litchfield mostly. It was also during this time Jim began a partnership and created J and J Pumping, which he later sold. In 2005, Jim and Lois made the hard decision to sell the family farm and move in to town, to begin a new chapter in their lives. Serving his community beyond his job was important to Jim. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus where he attained 3rd Degree Knight. He served as financial secretary for 26 years as well as a past Grand Knight. Jim had a strong faith in God. He was an active member of the Church of St. Philip in Litchfield. Throughout his life, Jim freely shared his many talents and he taught his children about having a love for God. When he was not working, Jim enjoyed spending time with friends on the golf course or playing a game (or two) of cribbage. He enjoyed the quietness of reading, gardening, being in nature, and bird-watching. Most of all, Jim loved being a husband, father, grandfather, brother and son. His life of serving others, being kind, courageous, dedicated and honorable will live on in the countless lives he has touched. Jim is survived by his wife Lois of 51 years, children: Mary Filzen of St. Joseph, MN, Jane (and Ralph) Bornhoeft of Green Oaks, IL, Joseph (and Carmen) Filzen of Arlington, VA, Theresa (and Richard) Neddermeyer of Buffalo, MN, Catherine (and Erik) Rivers of Sauk Centre, MN, JoAnn (and John) Richards of Arlington, VA and Judy Filzen of Litchfield; 17 grandchildren; brother: Richard (and Mary Ann) Filzen of Renville, MN; and a sister: Catherine (and Phillip) Ameluxen of Eagan, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Jerome and Donald; and a sister, Margaret Schleiss. Previous Events Visitation Sunday, October 17, 2010 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM St. Philip's Catholic Church 821 east 5th street Litchfield, MN 55355 Knights of Columbus Rosary at 9:45AM on Monday, October 18, 2010 Visitation Monday, October 18, 2010 10:30 AM St. Philip's Catholic Church 821 east 5th street Litchfield, MN 55355