David Meillier

David E. Meillier, age 93, of Faribault, MN, peacefully passed away on Monday, March 26, 2018 at Milestone Senior Living.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, April 7, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church, 139 Mercy Drive, Faribault. Interment will be at the St. Lawrence Cemetery in Faribault.

Visitation will be held at the new location of Parker Kohl Funeral Home, 1725 Lyndale Ave. N., Faribault, on Friday, April 6, from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Saturday for one hour prior to the services.

David Edmund was born August 19, 1924 in Wells Township, Rice County, MN to Joseph and Mary (Ponto) Meillier. He graduated from Bethlehem Academy in 1942 and attended college for three years, including earning his Seminary Preparatory Studies Certificate from Nazareth Hall, St. Paul, MN in 1944. Returning to Faribault, David was employed for nine months as parts manager for Rice Motor Co. prior to entering the military in September 1946. His military assignment was to Fort Lewis, Washington, in charge of the parts room in the RTC Motor Pool, followed by a transfer to Fort Knox, Kentucky, as clerk typist at the Driving and Maintenance Committee. While serving in this capacity, David was recommended for appointment to West Point Military Academy, at the top of the candidate list. Since an Army career was not what he desired, David declined his application and was discharged from the Army in November 1947.

On February 5, 1949 he was united in marriage to Lois Marie Melchert at Immaculate Conception Church. They moved to St. Paul where David re-entered college, graduating from St. Thomas University in 1950 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Returning again to Faribault David worked as an accountant.

David and Lois were members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, where David served on the parish council, managed the parish rental property, was a lector, and minister of the Eucharist; installed as the first Lay Minister of Holy Communion.

Being a staunch supporter of his community, David was active in numerous organizations, including the Jaycees, from whom he received the Gold Key award, the Chamber of Commerce as President of the Board of Directors, the Exchange Club, Knights of Columbus, and American Legion.

In 1964 David was hired as administrator of Pleasant Manor Nursing Home and in 1971 became sole owner of the facility until his retirement in 2006 but remained as Pleasant Manor Board Member Emeritus.

His life long career in the nursing home industry proved to be one of dedication and advocacy for the elderly. David served as Board Chair of Care Providers of Minnesota, was the recipient of the Member of the Year award in 1977, received a Lifetime Achievement award in 1989, and served as President and long-time trustee for the Care Providers of Minnesota Foundation, providing scholarships to employees in the profession.

On a national level, David was involved in the American Health Care Association (AHCA), serving as Chair of the AHCA Peer Review Committee, Member Accreditation & Standards Committee, Chair of the Budget & Finance Committee, AHCA Political Action Committee, and Treasurer of the association

Shortly after retirement, David received the Care Providers of Minnesota's Chairperson's Choice Award in appreciation of his years of service to the long-term care profession, caregivers, and the individuals it serves.

David enjoyed spending time with his beloved family, especially summer weekends at their lake cabin. He was an avid and passionate golfer, and was a member of the Faribault Golf Club for more than 50 years, playing the game into his mid eighties.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Lois; his parents, Joseph and Mary; seven brothers, Harold, Donald, Bernard, Robert, Gerald, Edward, and Raphael Meillier; sisters, Evelyn Beaupre, Ann Marie Beucler; and his son, Michael Meillier.

David is survived by his children, Patrick (Darlene) Meillier of Faribault, Teresa Meillier (Pat Olson) of Minong, WI, Ann Meillier (Dave Correll) of Faribault, and Mary Meillier of Milwaukee, WI; daughter-in-law, Josephine "Jo" Meillier of Faribault; sister Patricia Kost of New Port, CA; five grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; and by many other relatives and friends.

The family extends special thanks to the Milestones and Pleasant Manor staff for their love and support during his final years.

Memorials may be directed to Bethlehem Academy High School in memory of David.