Charles "Chaz" Fillman
January 20, 2013
Charles Edward “Chaz” Fillman, 73, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Fleur Heights Sunday morning Jan 20th. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Janet Fillman as well as three children and one grandchild: Dr Rebecca Engen (Steven) of Charlotte, NC; Roberta Molloy (Michael) of Des Moines; John Fillman and daughter Kathryn of Deerfield IL. Chaz was preceded in death by his parents; Frank & Mildred, and three older brothers; Oliver, Merwin & Russell.
Chaz was a graduate of Simpson College, Indianola, IA. He received an MA in mathematics from the University of IL, Urbana. He also attended Drake University in Des Moines, Chicago University and Northwestern University in Evanston IL.
While at Simpson, Chaz was Vice President and Secretary of Lambda Chi Alpha social fraternity, Delta Chi Omega honorary English fraternity and President of Alpha Psi Omega honorary dramatic fraternity. He was treasurer of the student body and editor of The Simpsonian, a weekly campus newspaper. He was captain of the Cross Country and the Track Teams. He was the Iowa Conference Champion in both the high and low hurdles three times. He held the school record in the 110 yard High Hurdles for nearly 30 years. He also was a recipient of the prestigious Barborca Award, and later he was inducted into the Simpson Athletic Hall of Fame.
Chaz was always active in the community and had many passions. He loved spending time with family and friends playing games. He had a passion for researching Fillman Family history and genealogy. He was an active member of the United Methodist Church. Chaz loved music, singing in church choirs and with the Pride of Iowa Barbershop Chorus. He mentored through the Serve Our Youth (SOY) program. He also loved to organize and officiate track meets.
Chaz taught high school mathematics in Stuart, Williamsburg and Des Moines, IA before earning his Master’s degree. He went to work for Bell Telephone Laboratories as a systems developer. Next he was a Senior Systems Instructor for Mutual of Omaha before returning to the Bell System as a programmer at Northwestern Bell Telephone Company. After becoming a Certified Electronic Data Processing Auditor and a Certified Internal Auditor, he transferred to AT&T in New Jersey as a Systems Auditor. He retired from AT&T in 1985 and moved back to Des Moines, where he and his wife opened a Sir Speedy Printing franchise.
After suffering a stroke they sold their business and Chaz went to work for Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield as a systems auditor. He regained recognition as a Certified Information Systems Auditor while there and held offices in the Central Iowa chapter of the EDPAA. Chaz retired from Wellmark in 2002.
In retirement Chaz was active in his church as a Stephen Minister Leader. He taught mathematics classes at the Des Moines Area Community College Urban Campus. He continued to be active as a track official at State High School meets, Drake Relays and Iowa State indoor meets.
Charles was a caring man with a big heart and lived his life full of joy. He was a devoted husband, father, and friend who will be deeply missed.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Don Price
01/27/2013
I was sorry to hear about our loss. Even though I had not seen Charles for some time, I considered he one of my most valued and respected friends during my life.
I have been living in Adel for the past 15 years and had tried to contact him but could not find an address of phone. I felt that I should be tried harder. Now I wish that I had.
Barbara Bullock
01/26/2013
Dear Janet, Bobbie & family,
I am so very sorry to hear about "Chaz's" death. You are in my prayers. Having recently lost my mother, I know how much it can hurt. May your memories give you much grace & peace. God bless.
Keith Acheson
01/25/2013
Janet ant Family: We are saddened to learn that Chuck passed away. You and your family are in our prayers. God bless. Keith Acheson
Tom and Donna Gruis
01/24/2013
Janet,
So sorry for your loss. We love you and Charles and even though we don't see you often, know that he will be missed and remembered. And you will be held in our prayers.
Ron & Kay Bromert
01/24/2013
Janet, so sorry to hear about Charles. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. May God grant you all comfort.
Mike and Donna Deege
01/24/2013
We were so sorry to read about the passing of Charles. He was a kind man and I enjoyed working with him at Sir Speedy. I think he hired me because I am left handed. Our sympathy to the family.
Donna Pratt
01/24/2013
Dear Janet,
I'm so sorry to learn of Chaz's death. My tears are for you, my joy is for him. He is cured and with Jesus! Alleluia!
I will always the remember the dedication Chaz displayed for our church. He was a leader in Stephen Ministry when I went through the course, and he led a Lenten study I took. I will miss his kind smile.
Blessings to you, Janet.
Lisa Kelsey
01/24/2013
On behalf of the Chancel Choir at West Des Moines United Methodist Church, we want you to know how much you're loved and supported as you experience this loss in your life. Some of us didn't have the pleasure of knowing Chaz, but through you, we know he was an incredible man! Our prayers will continue for you, along with your precious family! We love you!!
Roger Allen
01/24/2013
My sympathies to the family of "Chaz" (that we knew as "Chuck"), a friend and Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity brother and classmate at Simpson College, that I regret I did not stay in touch with since our Simpson days. What an admirable life of service to others he has led!
Kent & Molly Altemeier
01/23/2013
God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be. So He put His arms around you and whispered "Come to Me." With tearful eyes we watched you, and saw you pass away. Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hardworking hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best. You have our sincere condolences on the loss of Charles.
Diana Savage North Senior Center
01/23/2013
Janet and family, I was so sorry to hear of Chaz passing. We will miss his smile. God bless you all.
Carol Bond
01/23/2013
Bobbi and family, So sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Cherish the memories as I know your father meant a lot to all of you!
Margaret Fillman
01/22/2013
Charles was a deeply caring man who served others by volunteering his time. He touched many lives through the roles in which he contributed. Charles always brought a smile and joy to others. His drive for knowledge, compassion for others and love for his family/friends will be missed.