Marvin "Phat" Filz

Marvin “Phat” C. Filz, age 95, of Appleton, passed away on Sunday, December 24, 2017. He was born to the late Marvin Sr. and Rozella (Smith) Filz on June 28, 1922 in Appleton. Phat attended Appleton High School West and graduated in 1940.

Phat proudly served his country as a Master Sergeant in the U.S Army. His time served spanned through WWII. Recently Phat took part in the Old Glory Flight to Washington D.C.

He married the love of his life, Doris Langman, on August 16, 1947 in Appleton at St. Joseph Catholic Church. They were blessed with their two daughters, Debbie and Becky.

Phat was employed at Institute of Paper Chemistry and Valley Iron Works. He retired as supervisor and machinist from the Institute of Paper Chemistry in 1988.

In his early years Phat enjoyed softball, square dancing, bowling and visiting the YMCA. He and his wife Doris are life-long members of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Appleton. Phat had a creative and imaginative mind and loved to woodwork. He was a life-long Packer Backer and Wisconsin Badger Basketball fan. Above all he cherished being a dad, grandpa, great-grandpa and especially a loving and faithful husband.

His survivors are his loving wife, Doris, of whom he shared 70 wonderful years of marriage with; his two daughters, Debbie (Gary) Van Handel of Green Bay and Becky (Thomas C.) Thiel of Appleton; his grandchildren, Michael (Cecilia) Van Handel of Gurnee, IL, Michelle (Daniel) Owen of Madison, WI and Andrew “AJ” Van Handel of Madison, WI; his step grandson, Andrew Thiel (and special friend, Haley Purpus); his great-grandchildren, Jackson Van Handel, Joshua and Caleb Owen; his step great-grandchild, Ahana Thiel. Phat is further survived by his sister, Delores Cowan; and his sister-in-law, Margaret (Jim) Winterfeldt; his nieces and nephews, Rodney Langman, Stacy Kennelly, Scott Winterfeldt, Bob Filz, Tom Filz and Jeff Filz.

In addition to his parents Phat was preceded in death by his in-laws, Charlie (Mamie) Langman; two brothers, Merrill and Myron; his brother-in-law, Donald Langman and many other dear relatives.

The Funeral Liturgy will be held on Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH, 410 W. Lawrence Street in Appleton. Visitation will be held the night before at Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N. Superior Street in Appleton on Tuesday, January 2, 2018 starting at 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. Visitation will resume the following day at church at 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Mass with Fr. Jim Leary, O.F.M. officiating. Military Honors will follow the Funeral Mass at church. Interment will be held at St. Joseph Cemetery in Appleton. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established in Phat’s name. Online condolences can be shared at www.wichmannfargo.com.

Phat’s family would like to give a special thanks to the staff of Primary Care Associates, Theda Care Regional Medical Center of Appleton, John Bradley VA Center, and the staff of St. Paul’s Elder Care Service for the wonderful care given to Phat and the compassion shown to his family. His family also extends their many thanks to Tony, Erin and Jade Spencer who have been wonderful neighbors through the years.