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The Life of JANET ELIZABETH FILLMAN

Janet Elizabeth (Grothe) Fillman died July 19, 2014. She was born January 23, 1940 in Valentine, NE to Fred C. and Delorea O. Grothe. She was raised in Sutton, NE where her father owned and operated a pharmacy.

She had one brother, Fred W. Grothe who was 3 years older and they were great friends. He taught her to be a real tomboy and to hold her own.

Janet enjoyed music, liked to dance, and sing. Over the years she sang with several choirs and groups. More recently, she took up quilting. Card and board games were life-long favorite pastimes. She had been a proud member of P.E.O. for more than 55 years.

She graduated from Simpson College in Indianola, IA with a Bachelors degree in Physical Education. While at Simpson she met Charles “Chaz” Edward Fillman and they were married June 16, 1963. This marriage was blessed with love, understanding, devotion and 3 wonderful children. Family and friends were very important to her. She will be remembered as a sincere, honest, caring person who served her Lord as a Stephen Minister.

Some of Janet’s greatest accomplishments showed in the successes of her husband and children. She selflessly supported them in all their endeavors. She gave up her teaching career to stay home and raise her family. Once the kids were all in school, she went back to work and showed flexibility through the various jobs that she held. Most recently, she worked for 12 years in the membership department at the P.E.O. Executive Office in Des Moines, IA. Prior to that she owned a Sir Speedy Printing business for over 7 years. In retirement, she started a house and pet sitting business.

Janet is survived by three children and one grandchild: Dr. Rebecca Engen (Steven) of Charlotte, NC; Roberta Molloy (Michael) of Des Moines, IA; John Fillman and daughter Kathryn of Deerfield, IL. She is also survived by her brother Fred Grothe of St. Joseph, MO.

Janet was preceded in death by her devoted husband Charles Fillman and parents Fred and Delorea Grothe.

Tuesday, July 22, 2014 there will be a gathering of friends at Hamilton''''s on Westown Parkway Funeral Home, 3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines beginning at noon. A memorial service will follow at 2 p.m..

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial gifts to the American Cancer Society or the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden.

American Cancer Society
P.O. Box 22718
Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718
http://www.cancer.org/involved/index

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
909 Robert D. Ray Drive
Des Moines, IA 50309-2897
http://www.dmbotanicalgarden.com/support/donate/

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2014.12.20
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