Joseph James Filak, our wonderful Dad, model father and husband to Jane of 68 years, passed into angels arms on October 8, 2010. Joe arrived in the Delray section of Detroit on April 24, 1920 courtesy of his parents, Mary and Joseph Filak Sr, who had immigrated from Hungary in 1916. He grew up in a modest home in Melvindale, MI that featured grape vines over the driveway. While graduating with honors from Melvindale High School in 1938, Dad captained and quarterbacked the Melvindale High “Class B” state championship football team (ok Dad, yes, it was the single wing formation back then!), was point guard on the basketball team, and catcher on the baseball squad. Joe was introduced to his future wife, Jane Sobota, by Mom’s best friend (the future Mrs. Helen Gotz), on a blind date in 1939. The two dated and maintained their relationship even after Joe joined the WWII effort with the US Army. Using his leadership skills Joe was promoted to Drill Sergeant while training in Little Rock, AK. While on Army leave, Joe and Jane were married at St Barbara’s Church in Dearborn, MI on July 4, 1942 with Ed Gotz, Tony Morabito, and Ray Wolan, Dad’s army buddies, in the wedding party. Dad shipped over to France with the second wave in late June of 1944, but returned to the states a month later wounded in a battle with a shrapnel back wound and receiving a Purple Heart. Dad played minor league baseball for a few years after the war, exchanging his army rifle for a rifle throw to second base. Jim was first born of his four sons in August, 1944, followed by “Chip” in 1946, Ken in 1950, and finally Dave in 1954. The family settled in Allen Park, MI where Dad and Mom resided for 57 years. Dad worked for the State of Michigan Unemployment Division for 35 years as a Supervisor for the Technical Unit, retiring in 1982, after also giving up his second night-time job with the US Postal Service to spend extended time with his family. Dad was entirely devoted to Mom and family. Dad was our constant supporter, driving us on snowy Sunday mornings to pick up our Detroit News newspapers from the depot and tracking Jim and Chip along their delivery routes. Dad was his sons #1 fan through high school watching Jim play shortstop for Schaeffer High School in Taylor and Chip, Ken, and Dave ply the gridiron at Cabrini High School in Allen Park. He also was scorekeeper at many of our athletic events. Dad was extremely proud that all four sons received their 4-year university degrees. Joe and Jane celebrated their 50th Anniversary at the Grosse Isle Country Club in 1992 and enjoyed a second honeymoon in Hawaii, courtesy of their sons. In retirement, Dad found his new passion, golf, and played weekly for 20 years with his army buddies, Ed, Ray and Tony. Dad and Mom also enjoyed holidays with their Grandchildren – Carrie, Mark and Tracy (via Jim and Dottie Filak of North Rochester, MI); Kirsten and Kris (via Chip and Kay Filak of Burlingame, CA); Scott, Steve, and Kevin (via Ken and Lynn Filak of Allen Park, MI), and John and Dave C (Dave and Gail Filak of New Boston, MI). Dad became Great Grandpa to 11 more current family gene carriers: Carrie and Mike’s rompers, “Meredith and Nathan” in Grand Rapids, MI; Mark and Valerie’s delight’s , “Madeleine, Amelia, and Soren” in Rochester, MI; Kirsten and Brennan’s dancers, “Elin and Josiah” in Portland, OR; and Dave C and Jennifer’s sportsters, “David Jr and Zachary” in Nashville, TN. Dad will be sorely missed by all. Joe was witty yet humble, quiet yet enjoyed the last word. He dearly loved his spouse, Jane, and late in life every family decision was made with Mom’s future welfare in mind, even as he battled lung cancer during his last 5 years. We fondly remember the times spent tossing a baseball or football with Dad at weekend outings in the park, watching him build and maintain the backyard garden, paint the house with careful preparation (even helping us paint our homes as we expanded our families), and always being our model as we learned how to become fathers ourselves. Thank you SO MUCH, DAD, from Mom, your Four Sons and extended families. We will always love you, as God has always loved and blessed you.
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