Mark Filipovic

Flip spent his last days surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife, Silvia Wiesensee; his children Mark Filipovic, Michael Filipovic, Andrea (John) Beggs, and Daniela Schmidt; and grandchildren Evan, Deana, Marisa, Zachary, Kiley Anne, Nikolas, Farrington, Lukas, and Anna Sophia. He is preceded in death by his parents Zivorad and Justina Filipovic; siblings Maria, Dennis, and Steven; and his first wife Nora (Cordova) Filipovic.

Flip’s adventures had humble beginnings as an immigrant that took him to the heights of his aspirations as an executive as he pursued his American Dream. Born in Osnabrück, Germany, he came to the United States at the age of five from then-Yugoslavia and grew up in Winthrop Harbor, IL. He volunteered to serve in the military as a United States Marine serving two tours with distinction in Vietnam as a Marine Corporal. Flip then became a US citizen and settled in Barstow, CA where he started his family with his first wife Nora Cordova and had 3 children. Flip worked his way up from a machinist on the Santa Fe railroad, finding his true calling. He advocated for and helped others as the Union Representative and president of Local Lodge 706. He also served on the Executive Board of District 19 and was elected to International Association of Machinist and Aerospace Workers (IAM) General Chairman, where he was then appointed Assistant Railroad Coordinator, finally culminating his career as Railroad coordinator of the IAM. He could be found testifying before Congress, or in his office rallying, protecting and defending the rights of the workers he represented.

In 2007, Flip retired from the IAM where he and his wife, Silvia, further traveled the world and enjoyed life together. They traveled so much that his friends would tell him, "You call us when you get home because who knows if you'll be there when we call.” Finally in 2011, though they continued to travel, they put down roots in Supply, NC, where they were active members of the community. Naturally, Flip found his way to the HOA board, where he used his experience and negotiating skill to ensure the rules and regulations were fair and amicable for the community as a whole.

When home, you could always find Flip outside, sitting on the front porch or in the garage, enjoying a cigarette and a cup of coffee, waving to everyone who came by. He was always willing to invite someone over for a beer and "BS.” He had a positive, jubilant outlook on life and was a friend to all, never speaking negatively of anyone and always willing to lend a helping hand and just make someone smile. We couldn’t ask for a better friend, husband, father, and grandfather. Those of us who knew him were lucky to know such a "Fantastic" guy.

May he rest in peace and may his family and friends find comfort in the memories of joy, positivity and laughter he brought to their lives.

A celebration of life will be held at White Funeral home located at 603 Ocean Hwy E, Bolivia, NC 28422 on March 2 at 11:00 a.m. with a reception directly following at the Lakes of Lockwood clubhouse located at 2606 Jessica Ln, Supply, NC 28462.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that you donate to St. Jude Hospital or your local Veterans office in honor of our consummate Marine. He remained a member of VFW Memorial Post #7448 in Winthrop Harbor, IL.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitefuneralservicesupply.com for the Filipovic family.