Passed away peacefully on January 16, 2023 at Mercy Hospice South – de Greeff Hospice House. Elmer was 95 years old. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years Carol (nee Goedeker) and three children Jim (Evie) Filla, Diane (Bill) Summers and Donna (Steve) Yoder. Proud grandfather of seven: Andy (Colleen) Filla, Scott Filla, Katie (Bob) Gorman, Tony Filla, Alex Sloan, Tori (Kevin) Ellis and Jack Yoder. Proud great-grandfather of eight. A Navy veteran of World War II (along with his two older brothers), and an Army veteran during the Korean War. Elmer worked for the Aeronautical Chart and Information Center (later the Defense Mapping Agency) where he worked on mapping the moon for the Apollo missions. Elmer touched many people and was truly one of the Greatest Generation who served their country and came home to build a family and touch many lives. The ultimate competitor who was a friend to all, loved by all, and knew no strangers. As one of the Greatest Generation his family was everything to him. The annual family vacations were undoubtedly the basis for the National Lampoon vacation movies.
SERVICES: Visitation at Kutis Affton Chapel 10151 Gravois Road Friday, January 20, 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. to St. Mark Catholic Church (4200 Ripa Ave) for 10:00 a.m. Mass. Interment Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.
Elmer always had and made time for you. One of the most unselfish person we ever met.
Our condolences to Carol and family.
Ron and Ann Auer
Sorry for your loss!
A true Prince of a Man. Uncle Elmer had a wonderful sense of humor and always a twinkle in his eye. He will be remembered by so many. Our hearts go out to You – Aunt Carol, Jim, Diane and Donna
Condolences to the Filla Family.
Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs. We are so sorry for your loss.
Jim & Nellene Bunting
Diane, and Donna , and family
Your Dad was one of the nicest men around , I can’t say enough nice things about him and I know you all
Treasured him . What a great tribute to a life well lived . Please accept our deepest condolences and please let Carol know we will be praying for her and everyone .
Eve,
So sorry to hear of your loss. If you need something let me know.
Praying for you all.
Elmer was a special Uncle to his nieces and nephews. He left us with fond memories of the Filla holidays, especially Christmas Eve celebrations taking movies of the presents unwrapping. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a heart of gold.
May he rest in peace with the “ brothers and sisters “ awaiting him in heaven.
I am so very sorry for your family’s loss. Thinking of all who loved him and sending prayers of comfort at this difficult time.
I’m so sorry I never got the chance to meet Elmer, but I feel like I know him through the words you’ve written. Served his country in two wars. Charted out the moon for the astronauts. Raised and nurtured a great family. What a wonderful example of a life well lived.
Jim and Evie,
So sorry for your loss. No matter how old it always seems too soon. And yes, what a generation that was! May you be comforted even while you grieve.
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Uncle Elmer. Always loved visiting with him, even though I didn’t get to be around him that much. Uncle Elmer was such a gentleman. You will always be in my heart.
I’m so sad to hear the news of Uncle Elmer’s passing. He was a wonderful Uncle to many nieces and nephews. I will always cherish the wonderful memories of the holidays with our family. Elmer had the best sense of humor and made every celebration so much fun. He’s in heaven now with my mom and his parents and siblings. My very best childhood memories are the ones with my aunts and uncles.
Condolences to the Filla family. I’m so sorry for your loss.
So sorry to hear of your loss!
Many great memories of a cheerful man who always had something interesting to say and listened as well. As a kid, I remember him talking to me as if I were an adult, which was nice!
Rest In Peace Mr. Filla!
Sorry for your loss. Elmer always took time to help a young cartographer do things the right way.
Elmer was a hell of a guy, we are very sorry to hear of his passing. Our condolences to Jim and Family.
Jim, my condolences to you and your family. Your Dad was always so nice to me growing up. He was one my favorites.