Larry Allen Filipi was born to Lumir Filipi and Alice (Placek) Filipi on Nov. 4, 1953, in Crete. He entered his eternal home on Aug. 9, 2023, after a courageous 10-month battle with pancreatic cancer.
Larry lived every day to the fullest throughout his 69 ye ars. He was raised on a farm outside of Western with his three siblings – Gary, Loren and Donna – where he learned a strong work ethic from a young age. He attended Opossum Hill Country School until middle school and then became a Milligan Rooster, a title he was quite proud of. Throughout school, Larry competed in many sports, but excelled in football, earning many honors. He especially enjoyed playing the game with his brothers.
Following high school graduation (1972), Larry began his lifelong passion of trucking. What began as a bale wagon operator alongside John Kassik at Milligan Farming Service grew into an over-the-road trucking position. Larry spent many years traveling across the Midwest hauling many different products. He finished his trucking career hauling gravel for Saline County, retiring in 2019.
He dedicated his life to his wife of 45 years, Deb, and his daughters, Lindsay and Amber. He found pride in raising his family on the Jansky farm east of Milligan, passing on that farm work ethic to his girls. Later in life, he was proud to be the father-in-law to two incredible men, Mike Densberger and Brock Morrison, and they spent many fun times together. A special side of Larry came out when he became a Papa to his two granddaughters, Briar and Callie, in 2019 and 2022. Over the years, special memories were created through annual family vacations across the country and countless hours tending to his many gardens – one of Larry’s favorite hobbies.
Larry was preceded in death by grandparents, Jerry and Emily Placek and Albert and Rosie Filipi; father, Lumir Filipi; big brother, Gary Filipi; niece-in-law, Renee Filipi; father-in-law, Bob Mead; and brother-in-law Dennis Hall. He entered heaven hand in hand with his mother, Alice (Placek) Filipi.
He is survived by his wife, Deb; daughters, Lindsay Densberger and Amber Morrison; sons-in-law, Mike Densberger and Brock Morrison; granddaughters, Briar and Callie Morrison; brother, Loren Filipi and wife Bev; sister, Donna Wentworth and husband Norm; sister-in-law, Judy Filipi; mother-in-law, Darlene Mead; brother-in-law, Terry Mead; sisters-in-law, Cheryl Hall and Linda (Bruce) Pankoke; and numerous nephews (spouses and children) who held a very special place in Larry’s heart.
A memorial service was Aug. 14, at the Milligan Auditorium. There were four special music selections, “Sail Away” by The Oak Ridge Boys, “Dream On” by The Oak Ridge Boys, “Roll On” by Alabama and “Philadelphia Freedom” by Elton John. Honorary urn bearers included Gene Filipi, Dan Filipi, Nate Filipi, Troy Filipi, Dustin Filipi, Tyler Wentworth and Kyle Wentworth. A private family inurnment services will be in the Atlanta Cemetery in rural Milligan at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions will be directed to the family to be designated at a later date. Arrangements by Farmer & Son Funeral Home.
