Jerome Michael Filbrandt

Jerome Michael Filbrandt, of Antigo, passed away Saturday, April 2, 2011 with his family at his side. He was 84 years old.Jerome was the second generation of a pioneer Antigo plumbing and heating contracting family, a tradition that continues today.Jerome "Jerry" was born Dec. 5, 1926 in Antigo, a son of the late Joseph and Helen (Hurley) Filbrandt. He married Rosemary Koss on Oct. 25, 1952 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Antigo. She survives.Jerome attended St. John Parochial School in Antigo, and graduated from Antigo High School in 1945. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, stationed in the Philippines. After his service in the Army, Jerome became a charter member of the Antigo National Guard famed 32nd Red Arrow Division, where he attained the rank of Sergeant First Class. Mr. Filbrandt became a licensed master plumber, working with his father at Antigo Plumbing and Heating. In 1977, together with his wife, he established Jerome Filbrandt Plumbing and Heating. The business continues today under the management of their son Joe.Jerome was a member of the Msgr. Conrad Saile Knights of Columbus Council 1002, Antigo; the Msgr. Conrad Saile Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus Assembly 1214, Antigo; the Sparks-Doernenburg American Legion Post #3, Antigo; the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge #662, Antigo; and former board member of the Langlade County Historical Society. He was a life long member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, where he served as a parish trustee and started the Holy Name Society serving as a past president and long time member.Jerome enjoyed bowling and golfing, and was a lifetime member of the Bass Lake Country Club. For many years, he played and managed the Deerbrook baseball team. An avid sports fan, he supported the Milwaukee Brewers, Wisconsin Badgers, and Green Bay Packers. He held Packers season tickets since the opening of Lambeau Field.In addition to his wife, Rosemary, survivors include 4 daughters, Patricia (Richard) Zemaitis of Birchwood, Paula Filbrandt of Madison, Margaret (Charles) Payant of Marshfield, and Mary (Jeff) Holbrook of Marshfield; a son, Joseph (Mary Jo) of Antigo; 15 grandchilren, Andrew Zemaitis, Michael (Erin) Zemaitis, Richard Zemaitis, Thomas Zemaitis, Amy Zemaitis, Benjamin Zemaitis, Meghan (Cody) Brown, Katelyn Filbrandt, Patrick Filbrandt, Chelsea Filbrandt, Christian Payant, Charles Payant, Anna Holbrook, Emma Holbrook, and Elizabeth Holbrook; a great-grandson Gabriel Brown; 2 sisters-in -law, Marilouise Filbrandt, and Blanche Kafka; 4 brothers and sister- in- law, Stanley and Betty Koss, Vern and Marian Koss, Steve and Grace Koss, and Tony and Doris Koss.He was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Thomas, John, and Francis and in-laws Edna and John Piela, Joseph and Mary Novak, Julianne Koss, and Philip Kafka. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 AM Saturday, April 9 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Antigo with the Reverend Charles Hoffmann officiating. Visitation will be Friday from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM and Saturday from 9:00 AM until 10:15 AM in the Church gathering hall.The Knights of Columbus will recite the Rosary at 4:30 PM, the Elks Lodge of Sorrow ceremony will be at 5:30 PM, the American Legion and Antigo Veterans will stand honor guard from 6:00 PM until 7:00 PM and a parish wake service will take place at 7:00 PM; all taking place in the Church gathering hall Friday evening. Interment will be in Queen of Peace Cemetery following the service. Antigo veterans will perform military rites at the cemetery.A memorial will be established for All Saints Catholic School.