Louis Filas

Louis A. Filas 89, of Cadott, WI passed away at his home on Sunday, Feb. 23. He was surrounded by family who will all miss him dearly.

He was born on January 27, 1936 in Medford, WI. "Louie" was the youngest of 14. After both his parents passed in his primary years he was raised by his loving siblings in Lublin and Chicago.

The challenges he endured helped him grow into the wonderful man he was. At the age of 19, he joined the US Army and proudly served his country, mainly stationed in Alaska.

He returned to marry his childhood sweetheart Kathleen Kliscz of 64 years in 1959. As they navigated their early years together, they came to settle in Cadott, WI where Lou was the town barber until retirement. Together with his wife Kathy, they raised five children: Pam (Phil) Danielson, Debbie (Gary) Benish, Barb (Tom) Freagon, John (Melissa) Filas and Julia (John) Eisenmann.

Lou was a family man who never missed his children's sporting events or special programs.

Lou had many qualities that made him "one of a kind." He was a fantastic baseball player and, later in life, an avid golfer who scored not one but two "holes in one" in his lifetime.

He was quick witted and saw humor in everyday life events. He enjoyed cooking, reading, Westerns and a good "scotch on the rocks" when visiting with family and friends.

"Grandpa Lou" is survived by his loving wife Kathleen and children as listed above; grandchildren, Payton Freagon, Danielle and Lukas Benish, Mike Danielson, Ashley Kren and Elise Foley; great-grandchildren, Jasmine Kren, Zion Taylor and Landon Benish; and also by many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roman and Michalina Filas; and siblings, Bernice, Ruth, Ann, Mary, Ted, Estelle, Leo, Walter I, Bruno, Albert, Walter II, Loretta and Leonard.

Cheers to all who were lucky enough to be part of Lou's life.

"No one said it would be easy."

A service of Christian burial will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 15 with Deacon Ned Willkom officiating at the Leiser Funeral Home, 511 N. Main St., Cadott, WI.

A memorial visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until the time of service at 1 p.m. at the funeral home.

A private family inurnment with military honors will be held at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner, WI at a later date.

Express online condolences at leiserfuneralhome.com.

A special thank you to Lou's medical team, Dr. Kidess, Dr. Delmastro and Dr. Kincaid and Mayo Hospice, and special nurse, Lisa.