John L. Meilander, 67, of Rochester passed away on January 5, 2015 at home, surrounded by his wife and three children, after an ongoing battle with leukemia.

John was born April 13, 1947 in Chicago, IL to Lawrence and Frances (Ziegler) Meilander.   A few years after he was born, his family moved to Adams, MN and eventually settled in Rochester.   He attended John Marshall High School in Rochester.  After high school, he joined the United States Navy (1965-1968) where he served in the Mobile Construction Battalion during the Vietnam War. He was also stationed in Antarctica, New Zealand, and Hawaii.  On January 24, 1970 he was married to Suzanne Stucky of Pine Island. They lived in Rochester and in Pine Island. Together they had three children; the couple later divorced.  John worked as electrician for 30 years.  He retired from Adair Electric in 2009.  John was a long time member of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Rochester.

On March 28, 1998, John married Janice Bonow of Lewiston.  In 2004, John and Janice realized one of their dreams by purchasing a farm outside of Rochester. This would be a place where new adventures and friendships would be created, and a place where grandchildren could explore, ride grandpa's toys, and help grandma in the garden.  Unfortunately, life changed in 2008 when John became ill and was diagnosed with Leukemia.  While his illness forced him to retire, it did not stop him from continuing what he loved… being and working on the farm with Janice, having coffee with his friends, searching for treasures, finding the deal, and coming up with the next big project to work on.  He will be missed and remembered for his strength, adventuresome spirit, soft heart, unconditional love, friendship, dry sense of humor, stubbornness, and famous oyster stew during Christmas.

John is survived by his loving wife, Janice Meilander of Rochester; Three children – Matthew (Julie) Meilander of Des Moines; Marie (Sean) Corfits of White Bear Lake; Angela Meilander of Rochester; Seven grandchildren – Morgan (15), Jane (13), and Will (11) Meilander; Michael (12) and Katelyn (11) Corfits; Matthew Johnson (13) and John Wagner (3);  Four Brothers – Larry (Luisa) Meilander of Rochester; Frank (Jill) Meilander of San Diego; Thomas Meilander of Rochester; Joe (Janet) Meilander of Rochester.

He was proceeded in death by his parents and sister-in-law, Arlene Meilander.

Visitation will be from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM Thursday, January 8, 2015 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home in Rochester and one hour prior to the funeral Mass.  The Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00A.M.  Friday, January, 9, 2015 at St. Bridget's Catholic Church in Simpson with the Rev. Mark McNea officiating; 2123 County Highway 16, Rochester.  Burial will be at St. Bridget's Cemetery.  A lunch will follow after the burial service.

A note to our neighbors, friends, Dr. Letendre from Mayo Clinic, Mary Kruse, Joan Harkin, and the many others from Mayo Hospice – Thank you for your help, support, and kindness.

On-line condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.