FILIP BUTKOVICH

FILIP JOSEPH BUTKOVICH Filip Joseph Butkovich, 87, of Independence, Mo., died December 23, 2024. Filip was born in August of 1937 in Sugar Creek, Mo., the eleventh of twelve children. He was employed for nearly three decades at Braniff International Airlines where he worked as a lead gate agent. He was later a travel agent and he journeyed extensively throughout the world. He was very proud of his Croatian heritage and enjoyed playing the accordion, working on his parent's beloved old home, and listening to polka music. He tried in his own way to help make the world a better place. He was preceded in death by his father (Mate Butkovich) and mother (Mandica Butkovich); brothers Michael Butkovich, Fabian Butkovich, Joseph Butkovich, Anthony Butkovich, Thomas Butkovich, and Peter Butkovich; and sisters Irene Wrabec, Zita Stanard, Mary Beal, and Dolly Butkovich. He is survived by his wife Janice Butkovich, sister Roze Ann Rittel (Jack), children Christina Needham (Michael), Steven Butkovich, Eric Butkovich (Maria), Michael Butkovich (Amanda), and Nicole Kraus (Andy) as well as 12 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and more on the way, and numerous nieces and nephews. A celebration of his life will be held for close family members in February.