Thomas John Filkins, 65, of Prescott, Wis. passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023.
Tom was born on April 20, 1957 in Hudson, Wis. to John and Evelyn (Johnson) Filkins. He graduated from Prescott Senior High and continued his education for one quarter at the University of Wisconsin – Stout, where he proudly proclaimed he still had four years of athletic eligibility left. He spent three years working as a deckhand for Twin City Barge & Tow. Tom then went on to work the next 44 years for Gerdau, formerly known as North Star Steel, as a laborer furnace operator and crane operator. The crane was his passion and he served in many union positions before retiring in April 2021.
Tom met and married his bride, Janice (McCoy) Filkins, of Cannon Falls, Minn. on May 14, 1983. They resided in Prescott, Wis. where they welcomed two children, Jacob and Katelyn. As the owner of Trech Kennels, he raised, trained, and
field trialed retrieving dogs. Tom loved spending time in the outdoors, especially during the fall. He enjoyed hunting anything, fishing, and golfing in the summer months. Tom was devoted to his family, children, and grandchildren, and especially loved spending time telling long-winded stories (repeatedly) to anyone who would listen.
Survivors include his bride, Janice, of nearly 40 years, his children Jacob (Brittany) Filkins and Katelyn (Mitchell) Kruse; grandchildren Daniel, Jonah, and Mara Filkins, and Baby Boy Kruse expected to join the family in June 2023; his beloved dog Oduya; as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Janice and Karen, and several in-laws. We are sure he was greeted at the rainbow bridge by his many former dogs.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church: 269 Dakota St. S, Prescott, WI 54021. Visitation was from 4-7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 20, 2023 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. The visitation continued at the church at 9 a.m. prior to the funeral service. Interment will be at Pine Glen Cemetery.
To send flowers to the family in memory of Thomas Filkins, please have them delivered to St. Joseph Catholic Church: 269 Dakota St. S, Prescott, WI 54021.
Services are entrusted to the O’Connell Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Prescott, www.oconnellfuneralhomes. com, 715-262– 5404
