Kenneth Marion Filipski

Kenneth Marion Filipski

December 29, 1940 - February 27, 2021

Ken Filipski, 80, passed away at home on February 27, with his wife and son beside him.

Ken was born in Chicago and graduated from Rockhurst College, majoring in History. While working for civil rights in the 1960s, he volunteered with Chicago’s Ecumenical Institute to teach in an impoverished neighborhood. There he met Anne, his wife of 52 years. The Institute transferred them to Japan, where they taught five years at Our Lady of the Cherry Blossoms College in Fukushima. They adopted their daughter Natasha in Japan before returning to Chicago, where their son Søren was born.

They moved in 1979 to Bakersfield, where Ken started his own business in financial planning and tax preparation. He was active at St. Philip the Apostle Church, serving on the finance counsel and teaching adult education. He was so well read, people called him “Encyclopedia Ken.” He was active in Right to Life and Witness to Life, was an oblate at St. Andrew's Abbey, and a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Ken had a big heart for his clients, employees, friends, family - anyone he met - his compass always on Christ. He will be forever cherished for the love he sowed.  

He is survived by his wife Anne, daughter Natasha, son Søren, daughter-in-law Gwen, and grandchildren Judith and Madeleine.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Andrew’s Abbey, Valyermo. Ken’s Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Philip the Apostle Church, March 8, 2021, 2:00 p.m., Rosary at 1:30.  Mass will be held outside in the courtyard.  Please bring your own chair.