Dodgeville - John H. Meili, age 81, of Dodgeville, passed away on Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at Kindred Hearts in Cottage Grove.

He was born on November 16, 1930 in Dodgeville, a son of the late Dwight and Cecelia (Ley) Meili. He attended Jenniton Grade School and graduated from Barneveld High School in 1948. While serving in the U.S. Army, he was stationed in Korea. John worked as a plumber and welder for many years for Collins & Hying. He was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, the American Legion and an Honorary Member of the Knights of Columbus.

John is survived by his sisters, Beth (Vince) Brunker, of Madison, Helen Straka, of Montfort and Evelyn (Dave) Arnold, of Madison; his brother, Jim (Tama) Meili, of McFarland; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother-in-law, Leo Straka, his nieces, Mary Kay Brunker and Lori Arnold.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 25, 2012 at ST. JOSEPH'S CATHOLIC CHURCH in Dodgeville. Fr. Patrick Wendler will officiate. Burial will be held in St. Joseph's Cemetery, with Military Graveside Rites accorded by the Dodgeville Area Veterans. Friends may call from 9:30 a.m. until time of Mass on Saturday at ST. JOSEPH'S CATHOLIC CHURCH.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made to Agrace Hospice in Madison or a charity of your choice.