Ronald "Smokey" Filip, 75, known for his witty jokes and his unwavering relationships with family and friends, passed away on July 6, 2024.

Smokey was born on April 26, 1949, to Emma and Rusty Filip in Friend, Nebraska.  He grew up and also made his lifelong home in Crete, Nebraska, where he loved spending time with and raising his three daughters.  He built a successful 48-year career in maintenance at Friskies (ALPO), taking pride in his work ethic and the relationships he built with colleagues.

Smokey was a talented and rugged sportsman, spending most of his early adult years playing softball, bowling, hunting, and fishing.  Later in life he became an avid golfer.  Smokey's love for a good time was legendary; he was always ready to share a joke, an adult beverage, or an afternoon belting out golden oldies while waiting for the fish to bite.  He had a deep commitment to making every day an adventure with his wife, kids, and grandkids.  Smokey was also a longtime, proud member of the Crete Volunteer Fire Department.

Smokey is survived by his wife, Patricia; daughters, Chandra Filip (fiancé, Josh Palm), Lindsay Filip (fiancé, Matt Fort), and Ashley Olmsted (husband, Andrew); stepdaughters, Kala Peyton and Melissa Maciejewski; and grandchildren, Izac, Pierce, Stryder, Lena, Jaxson, Elijah, Sophie, and Liam; siblings, Robert Filip and Bonnie Duba (husband, Alvin), numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.  Smokey was preceded in death by his mother, Emma, and father, Rusty and stepfather, Elmer Fritz; Carolyn and Marty Everhart, sister and brother-in-law.

Services will be held on Friday, July 12, 2024 at 10:30 AM at Saline Center (due to potential size of service and availability of venues).  Visitation is Thursday from 5 – 7 PM at Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are in care of the family for future designation.