Francis N. Filla

Francis N. Filla, 72, of Washington, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Mr. Filla, son of the late Norbert Filla and Jane nee Vahlkamp, was born on November 5, 1953, in Washington. He received his education from St. Francis Borgia High School. On September 18, 1976, he was united in marriage to Mary Beth Jasper at the St. Francis Borgia Church. Francis and Mary Beth met when they both worked at Cedarcrest Nursing Home. They often spoke of the friends and many fond memories they shared of their time working there together. 

After Cedarcrest, Francis spent his career at the Sporlan Division of Parker Hannifin, formerly Sporlan Valve Co.  He was a lifelong member of St. Francis Borgia Parish. His faith was a guiding force in his life and something he lived out quietly through his service to others and devotion to his family. He enjoyed serving his community as part of the Washington Knights of Columbus Council No. 1121 and was also a member of Zero Beaters Amateur Radio Club, where he enjoyed weather spotting and practicing Morse code. Francis's hobbies included photography, tinkering with electronics, working on vehicles, and he could fix virtually anything. He was an eternal student and never stopped wanting to learn more. Francis was a proud family man who loved spending time with his loved ones. He adored his grandchildren and took every opportunity to share his time, knowledge, and love of learning with them.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law, Hans Holdmeyer, and sister-in-law, Lori Beste. 

Among his survivors are his wife, Mary Beth Filla of Washington; daughter, Beth Roetheli and husband Tim of Washington; two brothers, Michael Filla and wife Laurie of St. Albans and Mark Filla of Washington; two grandchildren, Henry and Amelia Roetheli; brothers and sisters-in-law, John “Butch” Jasper and wife Cindy, Ruthie Holdmeyer, Cindy Benz and husband Mike, Mike Jasper and wife Diane, Robert Jasper and wife Nanette, Tim Beste, Bill Jasper, and Kris Jasper; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A visitation will be held on Friday, March 27, 2026, from 4-7 p.m. at Nieburg-Vitt, Miller Funeral Home. Knights of Columbus rosary at 3:30 p.m. Friday.  Memorial Mass will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the St. Francis Borgia Church. Memorial donations can be made to the St. Francis Borgia Grade School or St. Francis Borgia Parish Capital Campaign.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Francis N. Filla, please visit our floral store.