Dennis Meillier, 76, Owatonna

Dennis J. Meillier, 76, of Owatonna, passed away on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at Prairie Cottages in Owatonna, formerly Traditions II.

He was born Dec. 4, 1948, in Faribault, the son of Donald and Julia (Dwyer) Meillier. Dennis grew up in Faribault and graduated from Bethlehem Academy in 1967.

He married his high school sweetheart, Jacqueline Kubes, on April 27, 1968, at Immaculate Conception Church in Faribault.

He attended Faribault Technical College and graduated with a degree in Drafting. Dennis started working at Alexander Lumber in 1973 as a draftsman, and in 1975 Dennis and Jacqueline moved to Owatonna. In January 1988, Dennis purchased Alexander Lumber and was the president until 2014, when he handed the reins to his son, Josh.

Dennis was a proud Owatonna community supporter and loved being involved and making this town a better place for everyone. Being a member of the Sertoma Club, Owatonna Exchange Club, West Hills Commission, Noon Rotary member for 17 years, and an Elks Lifetime Member. He served on many boards as well, including; the Orphanage Museum, Community Bank of Owatonna as a start-up investor, Owatonna Incubator, Owatonna Chamber of Commerce, Northwest Lumberman's Association, and was briefly the board chair for The Owatonna Foundation until his illness made it too difficult to continue.

In his free time Dennis loved to golf. He was an Owatonna Country Club member for 48 years and served a pivotal role in the construction process of the new clubhouse in 2002.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jacqueline Meillier of Owatonna; daughter Amara (and Pete) Leone of Bristol, Wis., son, Josh (and Linda) Meillier of Owatonna; grandchildren, Peter (and Sydney), Clark (and Cathy), Henry, Harley, Marilyn, and Jonah, brother Larry (and Karen) Meillier; sister, Marilyn Bennett, and four nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Julia Meillier and sister Shari Silver.

Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday, July 14, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Michaelson Funeral Home, with a visitation one hour prior to the service. A private family burial will be held later at the Forest Hill Cemetery. There will be a light lunch served at the Owatonna Country Club following the service until 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Owatonna Foundation.

Michaelson Funeral Homes, Inc. of Owatonna is handling the funeral arrangements.