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.

James Roy Carlson, 60, of Rochester, passed away peacefully in his home on Easter Sunday, April 24, 2011, after a 13-month battle with brain cancer.

Visitation will take place in Brackenridge Hall of Calvary Episcopal Church on Wednesday, April 27, 5:30-7:30 p.m.  A Memorial Service will take place at Calvary Episcopal Church on Thursday, April 28, at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Nick Mezacapa officiating.

Jim was born to Helen and Roy Carlson on April 21, 1951 in Hyattsville, Maryland.  His family moved to Roseville, Minnesota when Jim was 10.  He graduated from Northwestern University in 1973 and from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1976.  He was a partner at the law firm of O’Brien and Wolf, L.L.P. at the time of his death.

Jim is survived by his wife of nearly 27 years, Claudia, and his three children, Katelyn, Nicole, and Eric, and many extended family members.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Peter.

Jim and Claudia were married at Calvary Episcopal Church, and through the years, he was very active in this Church that he loved.  He served as Junior and Senior Warden and was involved in the stewardship and building committees, as well as helping out in many other aspects of church life.  He was a member of the Rochester Public Utility Board for 17 years, he was an assistant scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 21 and he was a member of the Mayo Clinic Conflict of Interest Review Board, as well as belonging to numerous professional associations.

Jim had a wide variety of interests and activities.  He was an avid boater, camper, hiker, reader, appreciator of classical music, history buff, Northwestern Wildcats fan, and he loved to work around his house and in his yard.  Above all, Jim loved spending time with his family, especially supporting his children in all of their endeavors.  Jim was gifted with a great sense of humor and an easygoing nature, and he always had a good story to share or a good word to say with whomever he came in contact.  He was a great husband, father and friend.   He will be truly missed by his many friends and family who loved and respected him.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Calvary Episcopal Church, 111 Third Avenue, SW, Rochester, MN 55901 or to Brains Together for a Cure, P.O. Box 8353, Rochester, MN 55903 (brainstogetherforacure.org).

Lunch will be served following the service. Family is invited to a commital service in the Calvary Church courtyard following the lunch.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.

Randall  “Randy” Scott Podein, 50, of Rochester, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, April 22, 2011 surrounded by his family and close friends, after a 2 ½  year battle with colon cancer.

Randy was born in Rochester, MN on September 13, 1960 to John “Jack” Podein and Marlys (Nelson) Podein.  He grew up in Rochester and loved playing football, baseball, hockey, working at the family trucking business, going on family vacations and helping his Grandpa John on his beef cattle farm.  In 1977 his family moved to Owatonna, and he graduated from Owatonna High School in 1978.

He worked at Office Depot, Musitronics and Cedar Inn while living in Owatonna, and in 1980 he began a job at Sherwin-Williams.  Little did he know that his boss there would turn out to be his future brother-in-law.   Randy rejoined his father and uncle working for the family trucking business back in Rochester in 1984 and drove back and forth with his Dad every day.  On August 24, 1985 he married Barbara Ann Klinkhammer at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Owatonna.  In December, 1985 he and his bride moved to Rochester with the hopes of raising a family.  In June, 1990 Randy began working for Yellow Freight Systems in Rochester as a truck driver and dockman.   In 2007 the operation joined with the terminal in Owatonna and eventually became YRC, Inc.  He thoroughly enjoyed his job, his co-workers and his customers.   He was known for his kind gentle ways and many described him as a “gentle giant”.  Randy kept working throughout his cancer treatments and rarely missed a day of work.  He maintained a high quality of life during his battle and died like he lived, with dignity and grace.

Randy enjoyed coaching or helping with youth hockey, baseball, soccer, football, and girls’ fastpitch for many years while his children were growing up.  Many of Rochester’s youth knew him as “coach”.  He always encouraged his players to have fun and stay positive.  Randy also served as a board member of the Rochester Girls Faspitch Association and tournament director.

Randy’s greatest joys were spending time with his family and friends grilling, golfing, sitting by the firepit and especially fishing and boating.  He was quick with a joke and always willing to help anyone.  He was especially popular with the nursing staff during his treatments because he was always so kind and positive.  He became famous for saying “It’s All Good.”

Randy is survived by his wife, Barb, of 25 ½ years, daughter Megan Podein ; twin sons Kevin  Podein and Corey Podein  all of Rochester;  mother Marlys Podein of Owatonna; brother Timothy (Mary) Podein of New Brighton;  sisters Kathryn “Kate” (Jeff) Glasenapp of Minneapolis and Jacquelyn “Jackie” Podein of Rochester;  several aunts, uncles, sisters and brothers-in-law, cousins, nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his father, Jack Podein, his sister-in-law Pamela (Klinkhammer) Heidzig and his grandparents.

A funeral service will held on Friday, April 29, 2011 at 11:00 AM at Macken Funeral Home in Rochester with the Rev. Thomas Loomis officiating.  Visitation will be held from 4-8 PM on Thursday, April 28, 2011 at Macken Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service on Friday.  Burial will follow the service at Grandview Memorial Gardens in Southeast Rochester.  After the burial a luncheon will be served back at Macken.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com

Memorials are suggested to the Randy Podein Fund c/o Eastwood Bank, Rochester, MN.

Merle M. Hanson

The funeral for Merle M. Hanson will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 29, 2011 at Autumn Ridge Church in the Timothy Chapel in Rochester, with C. John Steer, Senior Pastor officiating. Burial will be in Grandview Memorial Gardens in Rochester. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church.

Mr. Hanson, 90, of Rochester, Minnesota died Sunday, April 24, 2011 at Seasons Hospice.

Merle was born April 14, 1921 to Marcus and Nellie Hanson of Osage, IA. He graduated from Osage High School in 1939 and attended the University of Minnesota. College was interrupted and then mingled with his Army service from 1942 to 1951; graduating from the U of M in 1954 with a degree in Pharmacy. He married H. Minerva Hanson on December 7, 1950 while serving in Williamsburg, VA. Upon graduation from the U of M, Merle and Minerva moved to Rochester in 1954 where he joined Weber and Judd Drug Company as a pharmacist. Merle worked at Weber and Judd for 20 years prior to joining the pharmacy at Mayo Rochester Methodist Hospital in 1974.  He retired from RMH in October of 1989. Merle was an active member of Autumn Ridge Church (formerly First Baptist Church) with a special passion for prayer and foreign missions.

Survivors include his wife, Minerva, son, Gary, and daughter-in-law, Joy, of Plymouth, MN, granddaughter, Alyssa, of Falcon Heights, MN, and grandson, Marc, of Plymouth, MN.

Merle had a passion for his family, especially, his grandchildren, his church and his work as a pharmacist.

Memorials are preferred to Autumn Ridge Church of Rochester world missions’ fund.

Dr. James Roy McPherson – Rochester

Dr. James R. McPherson, age 80, of Rochester died Saturday, April 23, 2011 at St. Marys Hospital. A funeral Mass will be celebrated 10:00AM Wednesday, April 27, 2011 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church with the Rev. Msgr. Gerald Mahon officiating.

Born in Winnipeg, Canada, February 20, 1931, to Helen and Donald McPherson, preceded in death by brother Alan and sister Katherine. Survived by his wife of 54 years Elizabeth, children Michael (Pat), Patricia, Catherine, Teresa and Daniel (Lisa), 5 grandchildren, Mark, Ian, Olivia, Sophia and Ethan and his sister, Audra Ryan of Oklahoma City.

Jim attended St. Paul’s College High School where he excelled in sports and academics, being named to all-city, all-star teams in basketball and football, and awarded the Ernie Devlin Trophy for Academics and Athletics two consecutive years.

He received his M.D. degree in 1954 from the University of Manitoba Medical School and was the recipient of the General Practitioners Award for Excellence. While attending medical school, he played professional football for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers for five seasons, 1949 through 1953. He was named to the Western Canada All-Star Team in 1952, Liberty Magazine All-Stars in 1953, as well as the Sports Writers All-Star Team, and also played in the Grey Cup.

After two years of family practice in Winnipeg, he entered the Mayo Graduate School in 1956 as a Fellow in Internal Medicine and was a recipient of the Noble Foundation Award for leadership at Mayo’s first awards convocation in 1960, the year of his appointment to the permanent staff of the Mayo Clinic.

Throughout his entire career at Mayo from 1960 to February 1994, he had significant roles in education while continuing his practice of internal Medicine and Gastroenterology. These roles included Vice-Chairman, Department of Internal Medicine; Director of Residency Programs, and Academic Affairs Dean, Mayo Medical School.

He was a Fellow of the American College of Physicians, a member of the American Gastroenterology Association, certified and recertified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and certified by the Specialty Board in Gastroenterology. He was an Endicott Professor of Medicine and Master of Science Medicine.

At Mayo Foundation, he was the founding chair of Humanities in Medicine Committee, authored 17 medical publications; developed enhanced opportunities for education for residents and interns, including research presentations and with Dr. Anthony Windebank, initiated a program to foster integrity in medical research.

After retirement in 1994, he worked on a part-time basis in Mount Airy, North Carolina, in Industrial medicine. He was an active member of Mayo’s Value’s Review Committee for 10 years and served as its chairman.

Jim was also interested in Paso Fino horses, and was national president of the Paso Fino Horse Association He also enjoyed growing flowers, music, and watercolor painting. He thoroughly enjoyed people he met throughout his life and career, but most of all he loved his wife of 54 years, his 5 children and grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 5:00PM to 7:00PM on Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home and one hour prior to the services at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. John the Evangelist Music Liturgy, the Saint Paul Conservatory of Music (26 E.Exchange St, Suite 500, St. Paul, MN 55101), and to Dr. William Fryda’s Nairobi Mission, in care of American Foundation for Children with Aids, attn. St. Mary’s Mission Hospital desk, 6221 Blue Grass Avenue, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17112

Robert James “Bob” Akenhead, 85, of Sun City, Ariz., passed away on March 1, 2011.

Bob was born on Sept. 11, 1925, in Rochester, to George and Doris Akenhead. Bob served in the United States Marine Corp, Fourth Division, during World War II and participated in the first wave on Saipan, Marianas Islands, Tinian, Iwo Jima, and Volcano Island. He married his high school sweetheart, Betty Ann Peterson, in Rochester, almost 65 years ago on June 17, 1946, and then moved to Northern California. Bob and Betty were world travelers who always were ready for a new adventure and new acquaintances. Bob retired from the San Francisco Air Pollution District in 1980 and they relocated to their beloved Sun City, Ariz.

He enjoyed many activities within the community and was active in the Sun City Travel Trailer Club. He was a certified mediation counselor for the Arizona Attorney General’s Community Relations’ Unit-Mediation group and was award their 1988 Volunteer of the Year award. Many visitors to Sun City may remember Bob’s ever present smile as he worked as a volunteer at the Visitors Center. In later years, he was especially proud of his involvement in the Grand Canyon Chapter #33 of the 4th Marine Division Association. Bob will be remembered for the strength of his character and his always present humor.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Betty, and his children Judith Ann (Ana) Donaldson of Cedar Falls, Iowa, and Sheila Jonette Gentry of Modesto, Calif., his son-in-laws, Alan Donaldson of Cedar Falls, Iowa and Tom Gentry of Modesto, Calif.; his grandchildren Thomas and Justin Gentry, and his granddaughter, Taylor. Bob is preceded in death by his father and mother, and sister ,Harriet Eckman of Bloomington.

The memorial service for Bob will be at 10:00a.m. Saturday, May 14, 2011 at Bethel Lutheran Church with Pastor Andrew Nelson officiating.  Visitation will be held from 9:30a.m. to 10:00a.m. Saturday at the church.  Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery with military honors provided by the American Legion Post 92.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association.

Macken Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com

Raymond G. Strebbing passed away quietly with his children in attendance on April 18, 2011.  Raymond is fondly remembered by his two daughters, Sherri of Green Bay, Karen of Green Bay and his two sons, James of Rochester and David of Austin, Texas along with many friends and acquaintances that were lucky enough to be the recipients of his smile and quiet fortitude over his 88 years on the Earth.  Ray was preceded in death by his first wife Ruth Ann Petts Strebbing, who passed away 33 years ago, and his second wife Kathyrn Micka Strebbing who died this past year.

Ray was a lifelong lover of travel, seeing the sights across the United States, Canada, and Europe as well as having a passion for Square Dancing.  The family stories told about far-flung campfires will keep Ray’s memory burning bright.  The garden will be a little sparser this spring without Ray’s touch.

Ray was a decorated WWII Vet, serving in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.  He was a graduate of Michigan State University.  He went on from school to become a member of the IBM family for 36 years before his retirement.

Ray’s legacy includes 4 children, 6 step-children, 21 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.  We all miss him and bless the time we had to know him.

A Memorial Service for Raymond will be held on Monday, April 25, 2011 at 11:00AM at the Madonna Towers Chapel in Rochester with the Rev. James Russell officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at Madonna Towers.

Nancy “Nan” Douglas

Nancy “Nan” Georgetta Classon Douglas was born October 11, 1937, to Eric and Pauline (Hendrickson) Classon in Berwyn, Illinois.  After a long and valiant struggle with ALS, Nan joined the choir of angels on Tuesday, April 19, 2011.

Nan spent her childhood on the farm in Kendall County, Illinois.  She graduated from Plano Community High School in 1955, and Monmouth College in 1960, with Bachelor’s degrees in Biology, History and Nursing.  On March 11, 1961, she married the love of her life, Dr. William Wallace Douglas.

Her nursing career began as a student at Chicago Wesley Memorial School of Nursing, and later included teaching positions at the University of Colorado Medical Center in Denver, University of North Dakota College of Nursing, Rochester Community College and St. Mary’s School of Nursing.

Nan will be remembered for her love of travel, which became a second career, her gourmet cooking and gracious entertaining, her respect for – and participation in – historical preservation, her passion for music and music education, and her thoughtful and devout loyalty to her many friends.  She was a member of The Historical Society, Friends of Mayowood, The Nature Conservancy, and Rochester Music guild.

Nan is survived by a daughter, Nancy Margaret “Meg” Turner Douglas, a son, William Strawn Douglas, and sisters-in-law Mary Maloney of Phoenix, Nancy (Carl) Hulick of Pasadena, Patsy (William) Lodge of Boise, and Mary Jane (David) Broom of Spokane.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her twin daughters Carter Lynn and Catherine Jo.

A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, April 25, 2011, at 1:00PM at Bethel Lutheran Church in Rochester, with the Rev. Norman Wahl officiating.  Visitation will be held from 11:00AM – 1:00PM on Monday at the church as well.  Burial will be in Pleasant Prairie Cemetery in Cascade Township, north Rochester.

In lieu of flowers, Nan prefers memorials to:  Mesenchymal Stem Cell Trial for ALS at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester Music Guild, and The Nature Conservancy.

Macken Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.  On-line condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.

Eugene “Gene” Cyril Jack, 83, passed peacefully on Monday, April 18, 2011 at his home with his family at his side.

Mr. Jack was born in River Falls, Wisconsin on January 17, 1928 to John and Nora (Fitzgerald) Jack.  He married Mary Ann Caflisch on June 20, 1949 at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church in Simpson, Minnesota.

Gene grew up on the family farm in Marion.  He went to Burr Oak rural school in Marion.  He attended high school in Chatfield for one year and graduated from Rochester Central High School.  He played football for the local team, 4-H club member, served on Land O’Lakes creamery board, member of Farmers Union in Chatfield, St. Elizabeth’s Card Club from St. Bridget’s Church, and ushered at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Chatfield.

In 1952 he engaged in farming at his current residence of Chatfield, milked cows and later went into Red Angus cows.  He was a trucker for Hormel and also hauled to South St. Paul livestock yards.  He established the Gene Jack Livestock Company of Chatfield for 25 years with many customer appreciation parties in the 1980’s.  He started A&J Red Angus with Jim Andreasen to present.

Gene continued to buy cattle for the partnership.  He enjoyed gambling, playing cards, went to horse racing and cattle auctions.  He enjoyed riding in the pasture watching his cattle on his Gator, and spending time with his family.  He and his loving wife Mary Ann spent winters in Las Vegas for 20 years.

Gene is survived by his wife, Mary Ann, of 61 years; son David Jack of Colorado; daughter Patricia Jack of Rochester; grandchildren, Bryan (Jen) Jack, Adam, Jared, and Whitney Jack and boyfriend Michael Thorn; great-grandchildren, Aiden, Logan, Emersen Mae, Dylan and Gavin.

Eugene is preceded in death by his parents; three children, Dennis, Karen and Lynda; and two brothers, Ray and Frances Jack.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30AM on Monday, April 25, 2011 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Chatfield with Rev. Patrick Arens and Rev. Paul Nelson officiating, with visitation one hour prior to the service.  Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00PM on Sunday, April 24, 2011 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Memorials can be directed to Seasons Hospice, St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Chatfield, or St. Bridget’s Catholic Church.

Magdalene (Arndt) Steahl, 91, formerly of Red Wing, died Sunday, April 17, 2011.

Magdalene married Joseph Steahl in 1936 making their home in Red Wing.  She completed LPN training in 1954 and practiced nursing in Red Wing and later in Rochester.  Her husband, Joseph, passed in 1987.

Mary Joe (Gary) Anderson, Michael (Laurie) Steahl , Martha (Richard) Clark, and their children (9), grandchildren (18) and great-grandchildren welcome you to the Church of the Resurrection on Wednesday, April 20 at 10:00AM for visitation with Mass to follow at 11:00AM.