With his family present Donald Filz, 86, of Twin Lakes, quietly took the checkered flag after complications from a stroke last October. Raised in Pleasant Prairie WI, Don was one of nine children born to Siegfried and Martha (Weinbrenner) Filz. Siblings preceding his passing include two sisters named Elsie, Gilbert and Raymond Filz. Surviving siblings include Louise (Fred) Ditthardt, Anita (Winfried) Schroeder and brothers Erwin and Harry (Antoinette). Don joined the US Army, served his country during the Korean War and became a lifetime member of VFW Post 1865. On August 9, 1957 he married Joyce Anderson of Kenosha. Together they raised daughter Vicki (Greg) Waugh of Twin Lakes and son Jeffrey (Kristin) Filz of Norton Shores, MI. Grandchildren include Dustin Waugh, Kelly (John) Hanifl, Cami Filz and Carson Filz. Great grandchildren include Addison Waugh, and newborn twins Emmaline and Jackson Hanifl. A lifelong passion of automobiles and auto racing fulfilled Don’s professional and private life. His career included working and ownership in the auto body repair business. He later applied these skills as an auto insurance claims adjuster. His greatest achievement came late in life when, for several years, he served relentlessly and unselfishly as caregiver for his ailing wife, Joyce. A true racer, Don loved all forms of auto racing. He was a mechanic and pit-crew member on several race teams. Later he and Joyce became heavily involved in IndyCar Timing and Scoring. Family vacations were scattered all over the country and always included a trip to a racetrack. Don is best known for his sense of humor, but there are many other memorable traits that defined his charisma. Loving, loved, straightforward, facetious, unpredictable, stubborn, generous, conservative, social, private, marvelous, storyteller and a man of integrity. Whatever word(s) comes to your mind when you think of Don chances are they will bring a smile to your face. A man of faith and member of Kenosha Bible Church, his family is comforted in knowing the next chapter will bring happiness to his wife, family, friends and fellow racers – in Victory Lane. Don will be laid to rest at a later date at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit & Sign Donald’sOnline Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
Robert Cascioli
April 18, 2021
I remembered Dons birthday was April 17 and I googled his name in an attempt to locate him. I was so sad to see that he passed. I worked with Don at EMC. He was a true friend and a great person. I have so many great memories of the times we spent together. My deepest sympathy to the family.
Terece Hayes
May 7, 2020
Hello, I am Donald's brother's daughter, Terece Hayes (Gilbert Filz). I am sorry for your loss. I search all the time looking for more information about my father, as he was in my life until right before his passing when Harry's wife, Antoinette, hid him from me and didnt even invite me to a private funeral held for him. I am looking for my sister and nephew and niece, Monica and Christopher. Please reach out with any information at all. Again, please accept my condolences. 414-698-4858, 2545 N 59th Street, Milwaukee WI 53210
Rick Mutchler
April 19, 2020
Uncle Don will be missed by everyone who knew him...although there are many, my funniest memory with Uncle Don was back in the 1960s when we were on frozen Silver Lake and he pulled us kids around on a saucer with a long rope and his car..We had a blast that day but at one point he was going to fast ( like a race car driver 🙂 ) and I spun out and fell off the saucer doing many roll overs and skidding across the ice..It tore up both my arms from rough rigid ice and I was bleeding from my hands to my elbows..Being a kid I didnt care and wanted to go again but he said we better get back...I think we were at Aunt Millies cabin where my Mom and Aunt Joyce were waiting..Wow was my mom mad screaming at Uncle Don so worried that we could have all been killed..I remember getting bandaged up and walking around the corner where Uncle Don was sitting..We looked at each other and started laughing..I thanked him for taking us and it was a day i will never forget..RIP Uncle...Your Nephew Rickey..🏁🏁🏁
Lowanda
April 9, 2020
Please accept my sincere condolences. Although it's difficult to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back on memories help comfort you tomorrow. Look forward to the wonderful promise when we will meet again that promise is found at John 5:28, 29.