July 5, 1925 – November 28, 2025
Filomeno S. Castillo, Sr., age 100, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on November 28, 2025, in Mason City, Iowa. Born on July 5, 1925, in Alamo, Texas, Filomeno lived a century marked by resilience, devotion to family, and a tireless work ethic that defined every chapter of his life.
As a young boy growing up in Texas, Filomeno began working in the fields—an early testament to the strength and determination that would carry him through life. In 1943, he married the love of his life, Juanita, in their hometown of Alamo. Their bond was unshakable and enduring; they shared a deep love that carried them through decades of joy and hardship. Shortly after their marriage and while expecting their first child, Filomeno answered the call to serve his country during World War II.
From 1944 to 1946, Filomeno served honorably as a Private First Class in the United States Army with Battery A of the 429th Field Artillery Battalion. His service earned him numerous decorations and citations including the Victory Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon, American Theater Campaign Ribbon, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Ribbon with one Bronze Star, and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Star.
After returning from military service, Filomeno resumed his hardworking life in Texas. He worked as a mechanic for Chrysler and continued laboring in orange tree fields before moving north with his family to Iowa in 1967. There he contributed to Kennedy Farms in Clear Lake before beginning a long tenure at Mercy Hospital in Mason City. Starting in the laundry department, he steadily advanced into maintenance—a reflection of his dedication and perseverance.
Filomeno was not only a devoted worker but also a man who found joy in simple pleasures. He loved fishing and gardening and took great pride in maintaining his lawn. Always on the move and never idle for long, he enjoyed building things and working on various projects around the home. His hands were rarely still—always fixing or creating something useful or beautiful.
Above all else, Filomeno cherished time spent with his family. He was a loving husband to Juanita and a proud father to their children: Together they built a life rooted in love and tradition.
He played an active role in helping raise some of his grandchildren and found immense joy watching generations grow around him. He especially adored his granddaughter, Lindsay (lol). His legacy continues through his surviving children: Eluteria; Asencion (Oliver); Sesaria; Seferino; Filomeno Jr.; Juan; Paul (Hipolito); Jesusa; Filo; Leticia; as well as sister-in-law Andrea Hernandez; 24 grandchildren; 53 great-grandchildren; and 22 great-great-grandchildren.
Filomeno was preceded in death by his beloved wife Juanita; parents Zeferino and Sesaria Castillo; infant daughter Bicenta; son Alberto Cantu; brother Pedro Castillo; half-siblings Adelino Hernandez, Teresa Hernandez, Juan Sr. Hernandez, Antonia Hernandez; grandson Maximo Escobedo; great-grandson Royce Gonzales; and great-great-granddaughter Araya Mendiola.
Those who knew him will remember not only his strong work ethic but also his compassion, humor, warmth—and above all—his unwavering love for family. He had an infectious spirit that lit up gatherings with laughter and dancing—especially at Mexican dances where he and Juanita would glide across the floor with joy.
May the memory of Filomeno S. Castillo Sr.—a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, veteran, gardener, builder of dreams—bring comfort to all who knew him. His legacy lives on through every life he touched across five generations of love.
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