Dr. Alexander Schirger, age 87, passed away on Thursday Feb. 14, 2013, at Saint Marys Hospital on the feast day of Sts. Cyril and Methodius, patron saints of the Slavic peoples.

He was born on October 3, 1925 in Prague, Czechoslovakia to Alexius and Anna Schirger. He graduated from the Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague in 1950. Dr. Schirger immigrated to the United States in 1951 and in 1953 began his career with the Mayo Clinic, eventually practicing in Vascular Medicine until his retirement in 2004.

On Aug. 7, 1965, after 14 years of having been separated by the communist government of Czechoslovakia, he was reunited with and married Milada Kloubkova, of Prague, Czechoslovakia, at St. Augustine’s Church in St. Cloud, Minn.

During his career, he served as President of the International Union of Angiology. Care for his patients was a priority for him, and many of his patients became life-long friends. Additionally, he loved to help young people develop their talents and careers. In particular, he was happy to have the opportunity to help Czech and Slovak medical students and residents, providing clinical and research educational opportunities. He was honored with the Tomas Masaryk award for his service to the Czech and Slovak people. Dr. Schirger was a longtime member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. His faith in, and love for Christ translated into loving service to family, friends, patients and anyone in need.

He is survived by his wife Milada, his son John (Zita) Schirger, of Rochester, his daughter Annie (John) Mitchell, of Omaha, four grandchildren Mary Jo, Rosie, Nathan, Christopher, a brother-in-law, Jan Kloubek, of Prague, a niece, Lucie (Simon) Thomas and their children Sophie and Daniel, of Plano, Texas, and cousins Franta and Honsa Stach, of Prague.

He is preceded in death by his parents, a sister-in-law, Olga Kloubkova, and an uncle, Dr. Anthony (Mary) Novotny.

The Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 11 Fourth Ave. S.W. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday at the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home and one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.

Memorials are preferred to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Rochester, Holy Name School in Omaha, and Trinity School at River Ridge in Eagan, Minn.

Macken Funeral Home is handling the arrangements and online condolences are welcome at http://www.mackenfuneralhome.com/.

Dolores Moore

Emeritus Staff Center

PL N-10, Rm 1014