Kenneth Filppula

Kenneth Ruben Filppula, age 92, of Avon Park, FL, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, August 26, 2021.  He was born July 25, 1929 in Mass, Michigan to Onni and Lempi (Solonen) Filppula who were Finnish immigrants. He was very proud of his Finnish heritage.  He retired after 33 years from the Avon Park Telephone Company where he worked as an Installer and Repairman.  Kenneth served in the U.S. Army 7 ½ years with part of the time stationed at the Avon Park Bombing and Gunnery Range.  He was a member of the Avon Park Church of the Nazarene serving as Sunday School Superintendent, Treasurer for 30 years, and Head Usher for many years. He has been a resident of Avon Park, FL since 1954, coming from East Liverpool, OH.  Kenneth was very athletic, running in many local races, and he ran his last Gasparilla 5K at age 89. He also ran numerous races in 17 different states   Throughout his life, he participated and also supported softball, baseball, girls softball, and was an avid fisherman.  He traveled the United States extensively, taking his children and grandchildren to 46 states.  Kenneth is survived by his Daughters – Julia Springer (Bill) of Sebring, FL; Janet Filppula of Avon Park, FL; Sons – Kent Filppula (Lisa) of Sebring, FL; Dean Filppula of Texas; Grandchildren – Jennifer (Jasone); Brandi; Jason; Austin; Kiefer; Merrisa; and Great Grandchildren – Zoey; Codie; Jenson; Roy; Jett; Georgia; Tripp.  He is preceded in death by his Wife of 63 years – Miriam Filppula; Siblings – Ruben Filppula, Onni Filppula, Jr., Gladys Lantto, Lillian Aho, Raymond Filppula.  Funeral services will be held Monday, August 30, 2021 at 4:30 PM at the Avon Park Church of the Nazarene with visitation beginning at 3:00 PM.  He will be laid to rest in Sarasota National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions may be made to the Avon Park Church of the Nazarene, 707 West Main St., Avon Park, FL  33825.

Arrangements entrusted to:

Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home

Avon Park, FL  33825

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