Obituary of Merrit Orville Filler

Merrit O. Filler, 91, passed away peacefully at home on November 27, 2011. He was born to Edward and Ella Filler in Harvey, ND on November 5, 1920. At the age of 12, Merrit moved to Valley Springs, CA with his family and then to Lodi, CA. He attended local schools and graduated from Lodi High School in 1939. Merrit subsequently served six months in the Civilian Conservation Corps and prior to WWII, he became employed as a ship fitter at the Bethlehem Steel Shipyard in San Francisco. On May 16, 1943, Merrit married the love of his life, Anna Mae Baker. After WWII ended, he entered the carpentry trade in which he was employed until 1954. It was during this time that San Joaquin County initiated its Building Inspection Program and he became employed as one of the County's first Building Inspectors. At the end of his career in 1983, he retired as the Chief Building Inspector of San Joaquin County. He enjoyed camping and fishing with his family, and also trips to the beautiful California coastline, along with building three homes. After his retirement, Merrit and Anna went on many trips with the Bethel Travelers. Their favorite trip together was a cruise to Alaska with Jim and Clara Barnhardt (Anna's sister & brother in-law). Merrit was a member of the Bethel Open Bible Church of Lodi where he attended regularly and served by driving the Sunday school bus for 20 years. He was also actively involved in the planning and building of Bethel's current facility on Ham lane in Lodi. Merrit participated in missions outreach through Bethel Church where he helped to build two churches in the Philippines. He and his wife were active members of the Germans from Russia heritage organization. We learned a great deal from our father's approach to life, not the least of which are to live by an ethical standard, to work hard and with resolve, to appreciate the simple things in life and to help others who are struggling and need assistance. Merrit was preceded in death by his faithful and loving wife of 56 years, brother, Ardy Fuller, and sister Darlene Lindblad. Merrit is survived by his children, David Filler of Hayden, ID; Curtis Filler of Lodi, CA; Les Filler of Emerald Hills, CA ; Janet Heederik of Lodi, CA; Thomas Filler of Sacramento, CA; 5 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren; his half-sister Joyce Krebs of WI; and step-sister Ann Almer of Folsom, CA. Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life service for Merrit on Saturday, December 10, 2011, at 11:00 am, at Bethel Open Bible Church, 760 S. Ham Lane, Lodi CA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Asera Care Hospice, 529 W. March Lane, Stockton, CA 95207; or Bethel Open Bible Church missions fund, 760 S. Ham Lane, Lodi CA.