Mike Filter

Mike Filter, 62, of Springfield, died on April 28th at St. John’s Hospital with his beloved wife and children by his side. Though Mike had always been healthy, strong, and fit, the combined effects of glioblastoma and serious injuries suffered in a car accident proved too strong a foe for him to defeat.

Born and raised in Adrian, Michigan by his loving parents (Dalton, who preceded him in death, and Carol) and alongside his sister Deb, Mike was a gifted athlete and a fan of all sports teams from his home state (barring the despised ‘little brother’ Michigan State). He was a rambunctious kid and grew up playing baseball, basketball, softball, golf, and football. Mike was surrounded by family in Adrian and spent many weekends with his loving grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Mike met his future wife, Laura, during their college years at Concordia University in River Forest, IL. Married in 1982 after college graduation, they were looking forward to celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary this June. Mike was a family man and took great delight in his wife, his children, and his grandchildren. He was a faithful, loving husband to Laura, and a devoted and proud father to Matthew, Meghen, and Molly. It gave him much joy to welcome their spouses into our family and he loved Catherine, Erik, and Brent. He was especially tickled pink when the grandchildren began to arrive. Mike was a doting grandpa (‘Pop Pop’) to Conor, Chase, Cameron, and Teddy and his delight and energy in spending time with them was boundless. You would always find Mike grinning ear to ear with one of his grandsons in his arms.

Mike was honest, loyal, straight-forward, and had a stubborn streak a mile wide. Within the family circle, he was known for his puns and his corny ‘dad jokes’. He was a champion Easter egg hider but an inept Christmas present wrapper. His collection of t-shirts bearing the emblems of the Detroit Tigers, Red Wings, Pistons, Lions, and his beloved Wolverines was second to none! His terrible photographs were the source of much family laughter. If the photo was blurry or there was a thumb in the corner, Mike was probably the photographer. Also, despite Mike’s athletic prowess, he always seemed unable to navigate around the house without stubbing his toe on a register or bumping his elbow on a door frame – emitting howls of pain, causing Laura to rush to him fearing a serious injury had occurred. He was a true “bull in a china shop” at home and Laura never purchased anything other than plastic plates or glasses for everyday use. His clattering in the kitchen as he ‘washed’ and put away dishes was legendary in the Filter household. He had an amazing capacity for retaining facts and information about a plethora of subjects. Mike loved watching Jeopardy and testing his knowledge against that of the tv contestants. Puzzles were another favorite and his morning didn’t start until he had finished his daily crossword puzzle or word jumble. Mike enjoyed watching ‘vintage’ TV shows such as McHale’s Navy, MASH, Three Stooges, and Hogan’s Heroes. He especially loved Saturday evening Svengoolie movie spoofs on MeTV. Some of his other favorite pastimes included collecting baseball cards and sports memorabilia and trying every kind of unique beer ever made. He was hoping to travel to Ireland someday to visit every Irish pub he could find.

Mike was an educator, mentor, and coach for 39 years. He was excitedly anticipating his upcoming retirement this spring. Earning his master’s degree in communications during his twenties, Mike had plans to break into sports broadcasting. Anyone who knew Mike knows of his phenomenal breadth of sports knowledge. But God had other plans for him. Mike found the rewards of teaching gave him great joy and satisfaction. One of his favorite places to be was in a classroom full of high school students, challenging them to think critically, make intelligent decisions, and to achieve their best.

Mike made history and current events come alive for his students and encouraged them to stay engaged and politically active as adults. Mike was a strong believer in social justice and the overall good. He was especially gifted as a teacher in championing the underdog. His classroom and office were often a safe haven for teens facing difficult challenges and his greatest desire was for his students to succeed not only in the classroom but forward into life after high school. As an administrator, he was tough but fair. He believed in holding his students accountable for their actions, but he also excelled in extending grace, using his strong Christian faith as his underlying guidepost for everything he did.

A constant in Mike’s life was his deep faith in God and his belief in Jesus as his Savior. As we say goodbye and grieve and mourn for our loss, we remember with rejoicing that the Lord has taken Mike to live with him in Heaven. We are also very thankful to his many doctors, nurses, and caregivers at Memorial and St. John’s for the compassionate care they gave to Mike during his hospital stays, and for the many kindnesses they extended to his family. Mike had an especially warm spot in his heart for his radiation oncologist, Dr. Bradbury, and for his nurses Dara and Carmen, who were unfailingly kind and encouraging during his brief battle with cancer.

Though we grieve, we are thankful that Mike is free from sickness, sorrow, and pain. He has fought the good fight, he has kept the faith, and he has finished the race. He has received the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Well done, good and faithful servant.

We will always love you. We will always miss you. We will always remember you.

Funeral Ceremony: 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 3, 2022, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 2477 W. Washington, Springfield, IL with Pastor Greg Busboom officiating. A private family burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 2477 W. Washington, Springfield, IL 62702 or Grace Food Pantry, 714 E. Capitol Ave., Springfield, IL 62701.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL.