Was born in Abbeville, Louisiana to Michael Charles Miles Sr. and Elaine Broussard on September 15, 1948. She passed away peacefully at home in Inver Grove Heights, MN on November 22, 2023. Diana was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Illetschko; parents; brother, Michael Miles Jr. She survived by her sister, Mercedes Miller of TX; son, Joe Illetschko his wife, Audrey, and their children, Grace, Charlie, and Isaiah; also son, Mark Illetschko. Diana’s love for her family was second only to her love for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  The Service for Diana will include her husband, Joe, who passed away November 17, 2021. A Celebration of their Life will be held from 9 to 11 AM Saturday, December 2^nd, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights.

Age 88 of Burnsville, Minnesota

Passed away peacefully on November 21, 2023. A devoted wife and mother, Elaine was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond; son Roger; and daughter-in-law, Denise.

Elaine was born in Cumberland, Wisconsin on May 20, 1935, to Louis and Lucia Zappa. She grew up on the family farm and was the 11^th of 12 children. Her first job was at the Comstock Creamery and Cheese Factory, and she was of course a lifelong Green Bay Packer fan. Shortly after high school she moved to St. Paul and took a job as a telephone operator. She soon met the love of her life, Raymond Kadrlik. Elaine and Ray were married on April 28, 1956, at the Church of St. Bernard in St. Paul. After living in Lonsdale and Minneapolis, they built their home in Burnsville. They were blessed with five children, all boys. Ray and Elaine were active members of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, where all of the boys attended Catholic school through 8^th grade. Once the boys were all in school, Elaine started working in the school cafeteria at St. Johns. Elaine was an exceptional cook, she was Italian after all! Elaine’s home was always a welcoming place where many family and friends stopped by for a meal; there was always enough food to go around. Many summers were spent “at the lake”. It began by spending a week each summer at Pexa’s Resort on Prior Lake with Bo and Sylvia’s family. They would be joined by other family, including aunts, uncles, and cousins visiting for the day. There was always card playing and good food enjoyed. As the boys grew up, Ray and Elaine bought a cabin on Lake Washington near Mankato. Elaine was the true fisherman of the family, and could out fish all of her boys! She would often make them stay out longer than they wanted to, saying “Just one more fish.” When Elaine and Ray sold their cabin, the growing families spent lake time at the cabin that Roger and Denise built in Outing. Elaine loved being surrounded by family, and she made it a priority to attend the annual Zappa and Kadrlik picnics every year. Elaine was the biggest fan of each of her boys, and enjoyed cheering them on at all of their football, hockey, and baseball games. Elaine and Ray were proud members of the Dan Patch American Legion Post 643, the Ladies Auxiliary, and the Prior Lake VFW. Their grandchildren knew that when we went to visit them, if they were not at home, we would find them enjoying time with their friends at the Legion. Elaine’s grandchildren and great grandchildren were all very special to her, and she loved spending time with them. In the last few years Elaine enjoyed the time she spent with the friends she met at her apartment in Savage, and then at her apartment in Burnsville, which was a return to her old neighborhood, only two blocks away from their Burnsville home.

Elaine is also preceded in death by her brothers, sisters, and in-laws:  Agnes and Floyd Hale, Jim and Helen Zappa, Rose and Pat DaBruzzi, Mike and Lois Zappa, Minnie and Jim Edwards, Louis (Sonny) and Ruth Zappa, Fred and Leatta Zappa, Anna and Mike Chilton, Lucille (Doll) and Howard Mullins, Albert (Bud) and Phyllis Zappa, Frank Kadrlik, Mary and Ben Pexa, Adeline and Joe Mach, Helen and Pete Eischens, Anna and Sylvester Mahowald, Emil Kadrlik, Emma and John Kubek, Bo and Sylvia Kadrlik, Myles and Martha Kadrlik, Bob and Darlene Kadrlik, Al and Agnes Kadrlik and Dorothy Kadrlik.

Elaine is survived by her brother, Clarence (Mary Ann) Zappa; sons Anthony (Mary) Kadrlik, Scott (Pamela) Kadrlik, Gordon (Nancy) Kadrlik, and David (Stacey) Kadrlik; grandchildren Rich (Michelle) Kadrlik, Bob (Amanda) Kadrlik, Pat (Nicole) Kadrlik, Becky (Cory) Neumann, Angela (Brad) Whited, Andy (Lauren) Kadrlik, Beth (Dean) Baron, Matt (Jordanna) Kadrlik, Krista (Brad) Vanderveren, Jill (John) Kotz, Matthew Kadrlik, Katie Kadrlik, and Adam Kadrlik; great grandchildren Reed (Hailey), Makenna, Madison, Jesse and Ella Kadrlik, Nicholas, Kali and Kylie Vanderveren, and Landyn Kotz; along with many loving nieces, nephews, and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 AM Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 4625 West 125^th Street, Savage, Minnesota. Visitation starts at 9:00 AM at the church. Interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

G. William Pfeiffer passed away on November 15, 2023. Known to family and friends as Bill, he is survived by his loving wife Marilyn M. Maltby, son Michael W. Pfeiffer, and stepdaughter Julie Pritschet. He has two grandchildren, Nate Pfeiffer and Ellie Pfeiffer. Preceded in death by parents, Lorraine & Arthur Pfeiffer.

After earning his master’s degree in Physics at the University of Iowa, he started his career by joining James Van Allen’s space research group — building experiments to be flown on satellites for researching the Van Allen radiation belts.  In 1972, Bill was hired by 3M for his expertise in acoustics; he was issued a patent on a combination acoustic/electronic stethoscope. He went on to 3M’s cochlear implant project. In 1989 he was assigned to Washington DC, as liaison between 3M and government agencies’ research projects. When 3M Electronic Products division in Austin TX needed a liaison between the company and partnerships with Intel and Hewlett Packard, Bill moved to Austin. He took early retirement in 2001. He spent the last years of his career at Nanopierce in Denver CO.

Bill enjoyed life as an amateur ‘ham’ radio operator, and was a whiz at electronics. In his career he built radios, antennas, equipment, and test apparatus. After retiring and moving back to Minnesota, he kept building electronic gizmos including cameras in nest boxes so Marilyn could continue bird watching closely. Bill was an accomplished woodworker, making many pieces of furniture and jewelry.

Visitation will be on Saturday December 2, 2023 at Roberts Funeral Home Inver Grove Heights from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

John Joseph Meier, age 72, of Inver Grove Heights passed away peacefully November 11, 2023.

John was a Minnesotan! He was proud to work for MNDOT for 44 years and knew the history of most roads and bridges in the State. He was an avid sports fan, attending games and following the statistics of most sports from high school to professional. He volunteered countless hours as a scorekeeper and engaged in friendly banter with the late Sid Hartman on WCCO. When not working or on the sidelines he travelled throughout Minnesota visiting State parks, the North Shore, and camping in Cross Lake.

John was preceded in death by father, William C. Meier Jr.; mother, Barbara A. Meier (Shiely); and brother, William C. Meier III. He is survived by brother, James Meier; sisters, Judith (Thomas) Gehrz, Barbara (David) Elton; and beloved nieces & nephews, Mary (Mark) Stoick, Thomas (Kelly) Gehrz, Robert Gehrz, Kathleen (Mike) Danielson, Ann (Elliot) Huss, Dr. Joseph (Kylie) Gehrz, Jean (Luke) Nasers, Daniel (Sydney) Gehrz; Hannah (Charles) Godfrey, Erik Elton, Dr. Andrew Elton.

John’s family is grateful for the caring staff at Timber Hills, Lake Minnetonka Shores & Optage Hospice.

Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 am Saturday, November 25th at Church of St. Patrick, 3535 72nd St. E., Inver Grove Heights, MN with visitation one-hour prior at the church. Interment at St. Patrick Church Cemetery.

Memorials preferred to Church of St. Patrick or donor’s choice.

12/19/1941 ~ 11/10/2023

Dedicated to the love of animals, plants and art.

Long time employee of local phone company.

Private memorial.

Age 60 of Inver Grove Heights.

Loving Father, Brother, Son, Grandpa.

He passed peacefully in his home surrounded by family.

Preceded in death by parents, Madeline and Joseph Perron.

Survived by his children, Matthew, Joseph, Michael, Brett, Brian; his grandchildren, Layla, Olivia, Jace, Kaylani, Brooke, Isaiah.  The mother to his children Tiane.

Michael loved nothing more than to spend time with his family.

He would give more than he had to the people he loved. He adored rock and roll, riding his motorcycle and traveling. He also loved being late to everything, including his own funeral (probably).

Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 am Saturday, November 18th at Church of St. Matthew, 510 Hall Ave., St. Paul, MN with visitation 1-hour prior at church.  Traditional burial at Church of St. Peter Cemetery, Mendota Heights.

Age 87

Passed away peacefully on November 4, 2023. Preceded in death by loving wife, Dodee; parents, Richard and Dolly Carley. Survived by daughters, Debra (Jim) Cascalenda and Darcy (Steve) Sarantos; grandchildren, Christopher, Jay, Jessica, David, Anthony, Nicholas, Alexandra, and Michael; along with many great-grandchildren who he adored; brother, John “Jack”; sister, Geraldine “Gerre” Carley. Dick was born in St. Paul, was a Vietnam War Veteran and served as a surgeon aboard the USS Sanctuary. He was a well-respected ENT surgeon for decades and served as chief of staff at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Dick was an accomplished musician and amazingly talented artist. His hobbies and interests were endless but to list a few favorites: golfing with Dodee, entertaining friends, restoring classic cars and spending time with family. Dick touched the lives and hearts of so many and will be dearly missed. Thank you to Timber Hills Arbor staff and Optage Hospice for your loving care of “Doc”.  Funeral Service 10:30 am Monday, November 27^th, at Augustana Lutheran Church, 1400 So. Robert St.,West St. Paul, with visitation at 9:30 prior to the service. Memorials preferred to Children’s Minnesota Hospital of Saint Paul. give.childrensmn.org.

April 7, 1949 ~ November 9, 2023

US Navy Vietnam Veteran

Preceded in death by parents, Manny and Lila; brother, Gary. Survived by loving wife, Gerrie; children, Deanna “Pepe” & Manny (Tiffany); Papi to Adrianna “Addy”, Reese & Rhett; great-grandchildren Rainy & RoRo; brothers, Rick (Deb) & Mark; also many nieces and nephews.

Greg graduated with a BS degree from Oklahoma City University. He retired from the FAA after 33 years of service and in 1987 received the Twin Cities Federal Servant of the Year Award. He was a proud member of the 1986 Vulcan Krewe and will be dearly missed.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held from 4-7 pm Wednesday, November 15^th at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Private interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery at a later date.

Age 82, of Inver Grove Heights.

Merle left behind the tragedy of dementia and Parkinson’s on Sunday, October 29, 2023. He is survived by his wife, Lynda Borchers, and son, Kevin Borchers. Also survived by sister-in-law Linda (Jerry) Freeberg, niece Linda (Michael) Lane, nephews Brian (Lori) Borchers and Mark (Kate) Zellers, and other extended relatives, especially Karie Vincent. He is preceded in death by his parents, Harvin and Olinda Borchers, brother Alden Borchers and his wife Ruth, brother-in-law Gerald “Jerry” Freeberg, and sister-in-law Kathy Zellers.

Merle began his life as a Nebraska farm boy, eventually finding his way to Minnesota and a career in banking. He spent several decades in commercial banking for Northwestern National Bank, rebranded Norwest, with an early focus on loans for growing businesses. He found great satisfaction in the second half of his career at the National Cooperative Bank and then at Northcountry Cooperative Development Fund, helping cooperatives and not-for-profit businesses.

In the 1990s, Merle embraced Native American spirituality along with Christianity through Michael Harner’s Foundation for Shamanic Studies. After completing Harner’s Certified Shamanic Counselor training program, Merle gave back to people needing healing through Shamanic Drumming. He volunteered through Pathways in Minneapolis, a charitable non-profit center for those who need physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual healing. His wife Lynda also volunteered her own services with Pathways as a psychologist and teacher in mind/body holistic therapies. Together, they devoted much of their time to giving back to the community.

Upon retirement, Merle put down financial statements and picked up a paintbrush and canvas. His childhood artistic talents, quieted during his career, blossomed through art classes as he developed his style, beginning with pencil and charcoal drawings, then working with pastels, and finally, oil and acrylic paintings. He delighted in producing scenes from the backyard of Lynda and his home, which had a pond out back. Many critters visited their residence to fatten up year-round, ending up as subjects in his works of art. His more creative side loved exploring abstract presentations in his later works. He found great support and camaraderie with fellow artists at an art group that met in Hastings.

Of Merle’s many accomplishments, his family brought his greatest joy. He met Lynda after moving to the Twin Cities. They married on May 25, 1968, and celebrated their 55th anniversary this year. Friends, companions, and soulmates, Merle and Lynda matured themselves and their marriage. They explored personal and spiritual growth, supporting each other as they worked to make the world a better place. They raised their son, Kevin, a computer professional and business leader who values integrity, honesty, and responsibility. Merle leaves a legacy of a loving family (including their kitties and grand kitties).

A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, November 18, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Augustana Lutheran Church (1400 South Robert Street, West Saint Paul, MN 55113). There is a visitation one hour before and lunch after. In lieu of flowers or other gifts, please consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Association, the Parkinson Research Foundation, Augustana’s Community Outreach, Presbyterian Homes Foundation, or Doctors Without Borders.

May 20, 1931 – November 2, 2023

Survived by Daughters, Mary Jo (Jeff) Hoaglund and Denise (John) Stoffel; 6 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.  Private family burial planned.