Trending
Arthur Victor Filipiak, age 85, formerly of Rogers City, passed away peacefully near Ann Arbor, on September 7, 2026, from complications of vascular dementia.
Art was born on October 28, 1940, in Rogers City to Victor and Ann (Dost) Filipiak.
Diagnosed at age 72, Art faced a long 13-year journey with the disease and while he lost many things he once knew he remained smiling and happy when embraced and loved a good meal until his final days. One thing that will remain is the love he gave to his family and the memories they will carry with them. An exceptionally talented master carpenter, Art worked for many years at Friedrich Lumber Company before joining Michigan Limestone Operations in the office maintenance department. A highlight of his late career was overseeing the comprehensive renovation of the plant's historic Guest House. Art was also an avid deer hunter; it was truly the only time he could sit still for several days. This passion followed him into retirement, where he poured his heart, skill, and soul into building his own hunting cabin in Moltke Township. He proudly named it "Camp 36"; after the historic logging camp that once operated nearby. He harvested trees directly from the property and milled them into boards to completely fabricate the building. Everything inside was entirely custom-built by his hands, from the doors to the furniture. At the heart of the hunting cabin stood a massive chimney, constructed from bricks he carefully reclaimed from the demolition of the old Friedrich Lumber Company building. Camp 36 was more than just a place to hunt - it was a place where father and sons could be together and enjoy each other's company.
Art was preceded in death by Carlene, his beloved wife of 56 years. They shared a life side by side and were seldom apart. Her absence weighed heavily on him in his final years, especially when the disease left him searching for the person who had so long been at the center of his world.
He was also preceded in death by his sisters, Barbara and Veronica, and his brother, Nicholas.
He is survived by his two devoted sons, Michael (Laurie) of Ann Arbor and Brian of White Lake; his four grandchildren, Madisyn (Michael), Lauren, Brooklyn, and Ryan; his three great-grandchildren, Kloie, Klay, and Kobi; and his brother, Joseph.
Cremation has taken place.