The God of the sea has called home Dennis J Silvernail on Thursday, April 28 ^th , 2011. Denny lost his fight with an extremely rare virus that destroys the brain…PML, contracted after the double lung transplant he received a year ago. Even when he was reduced to only facial movements his rolling eyes could still convey his unfailing humor. The family extends with all of their hearts thanks to the wonderful caring staff on Mary Brigh 6D/6E and everyone on the transplant team on Charlton 9. Without them, we wouldn't have made it through the year.

He was born on April 27 ^th , 1949 in Faribault, Minnesota. For 2 ½ years, he spent time in Australia with his Mother's family. While based in Groton, Connecticut, he experienced much of the rest of the world before returning to Rochester. One of his favorite trips was a recent one to Ireland where he got to sample authentic Guinness.

He retired as a Command Master Chief of the Naval Submarine Force after 21 years of service. While in the Navy, Dennis earned his degree in Human Resources. After retirement, he worked as a shipping/receiving clerk at McNeilus Truck Manufacturing for 14 years.

He is survived by Nancy, his beloved wife of 42 years; children Brice of Stewartville, Sean (Jodi) of Claremont, and Jennie (Nate) Brass of Rochester, grandchildren; Michael, Christyn, Natasha, Dillon, Nicholas and Jacquelyn and a half-sister, Gloria Dawn Reeves of Australia. He will also be missed by his much loved dogs, Taliesin and Fizzgig.

He was predeceased by his parents; Kasper and Doris Silvernail and brothers, Preston McCall and Michael Silvernail and a half-sister, Marjorie Theresa Reeves of Australia.

He will always be remembered for his enthusiastic greetings to those arriving for Mass at St Pius X. He was also an usher and Eucharistic Minister. His unyielding faith brought him the great honor of being bestowed with the 4 ^th Degree of the Knights of Columbus, an honor he greatly cherished.

Denny was always proud of his Naval career and thoroughly enjoyed sharing his sea stories with anyone who would listen. Most of his family can recite them by heart.

On his rare off time, he enjoyed the Vikings, NASCAR, NHRA, Celtic music, bagpipes, popcorn and coffee! He was never happier then when his blood was mixed with grease, oil and WD40!

Friends may call on Sunday, May 1, 2011 from 5:00 PM -8:00 PM in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home and 1 hour before the service at the Church on Monday.

His funeral will be Monday, May 2 ^nd , 2011 at 11:00 AM at St Pius X Catholic Church in Rochester with Father Paul Nelson officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Rochester.

Memorials are suggested to the St Pius X building fund.

He left all who met him with a piece of his unique humor, but those who knew him well knew he was much deeper. Though his spirit remains, his presence will be missed.