Russell R. Filips

Russell R. Filips, age 96, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2023 at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak. Loving and devoted husband of Patricia (Poopsie). Father of Debbie (Cliff) Coffey, Kim, Keith, Kurt (Adria), Terry, and Gordy Filips. Grandfather of Charlie & Caroline; Karli & Andy. Uncle to many nieces and nephews. Russ and Pat were married for almost 69 years. He was predeceased in death by his five siblings; Emily Smart, Jenny Ziemczyk, Olga Blackman, Joann Stoyka, and Alex (Al) Filips. In 1968, Russ made his home in Troy. His dream was to be a farmer owning a cow, he never quite got the cow, but raised chickens, ducks, and geese. He spent many weekends and summers during his youth at a family friends farm and loved the experience. He himself became a master gardener, working by day as an estimator and then outside in the garden for hours every day after work. In the early spring, the house was scattered with little pots of seeded soil cups. He also was famously known for his fruit trees. A passion for his apple trees, which continue to produce the most amazing apple pies. For many years he would round up the apples and take them to the orchard to have them pressed for apple cider. Russ also has pear and peach trees bearing fruit, continuing on his legacy. Up until his last days, he would walk to the garden and offer his special perspective and advice to Terry, telling us all what a great job Terry is doing continuing the gardening tradition. He would ask about the fruit trees and comment on past years fruit production, tree by tree. Russ was a proud graduate of Cass Tech High School and Lawerence Tech University, with a degree in engineering. He worked at Jervis B. Webb as a project estimator until his retirement at age 65. Russ enjoyed dancing, he and Poopsie would often go to Metro Beach on Saturdays or Sundays to dance to the big bands with their friends. He was a great dancer! He also enjoyed theater, traveling, cards, spending time with family and friends. But he especially loved gardening. Russ particularly enjoyed his two trips to Poland, enjoying the culture and traditions of his heritage. He still has relatives in Poland and was so happy to see them; speak Polish with them; and visit his ancestral home. Russ also was in the Navy, circa 1945/1950. The letters we have provide an amazing view of military typing and ID cards of the time period. He was devoted member of the Polish National Catholic Church, All Saints Parish, where we spent many a Sunday on the church hall in Hamtramck and then in Sterling Heights. In 1989, he even helped move the parish pews when they relocated in Sterling Heights. At the time of his passing, Russ was the 2nd oldest parishioner. Father Jaroslaw Nowak will be officiating the Funeral Mass on September 7, 2023. Family and friends are invited to attend the viewing and funeral services below: Viewing: Wednesday, September 6, 3:00pm to 8:00pm at Mandziuk & Son – Sterling Heights (18 and Ryan). Address: 3801 18 Mile Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48314 Phone: 586.997.3838 Funeral: Thursday, September 7, 11:00am at All Saints Church on 17 and Mound Sterling Heights, MI Address: 5555 Seventeen Mile Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48310 Phone: 586.693.5087 Burial: Procession from the Church to White Chapel; Troy, MI, immediately following the funeral service. Address: 621 West Long Lake Road, Troy, Michigan 48098 Phone: 248.362.7670 Reception: Following the burial (approximately 2:00/2:30pm).

Russell R. Filips

August 9, 1927 - September 1, 2023