Ronald “Shorty” Filipek passed away at the age of 83 on Monday, July 21, 2025.
Funeral Mass will be at 11:00am on Monday, July 28, 2025 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Watertown. Visitation will start at 10:00am – one hour prior to the service.
Private family burial will be at the St. Ann’s Cemetery in Frankfort, SD
Ron was born on October 1, 1941, in Aberdeen, South Dakota, to Stanley and Lois (Willie) Filipek. He grew up on a farm near Frankfort, South Dakota where he also attended school. After High School he joined the National Guard where he served from 1959 to 1967.
He married Cynthia Colestock, and together they raised two daughters. Ron and his family lived on a small farm near Frankfort before moving into Redfield. In 1977, Ron moved his family to Watertown.Ron spent most of his working years in the manufacturing industry, beginning his career as a welder.He was known for his quick wit and always had a joke to tell. He had a passion for playing cardsespecially cribbage. His greatest pastime was playing pool with his friends, watching many sporting events, fishing, bowling, and golf. His constant companion for the last 8 years was his cat, Fred.
Rons greatest joy was his family. His wife, Cynthia of 56 years, daughters, Gina (Travis) Brist and Tiffany (Michael) Parker; grandchildren, Tyson, Abby, Jeremy, Emily, Justin and five great-grandchildren. His siblings, Dan (Ruth) Filipek, Rick Filipek, Sally (Randy) Schwab and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Stan and Lois Filipek, his first wife, Ruth Felix and his grandson, Tyson Brist.
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