Dorothy Jernander Silha, age 83, passed away on Aug 3, 2026, following a brief illness. Dorothy was born on May 24, 1943, to the late Milan and Helen (Larson) Jernander and grew up on Fish Creek Ridge. She graduated from Bangor High School and went on to attend UW Stout for her bachelor’s degree. Dorothy then ventured to San Francisco to complete her internship as a dietician at UCSF. In the mid 1990’s Dorothy returned to her educational pursuits at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities where she achieved her master’s degree in public health.

Dorothy met John “Jack” Silha while in high school. They married following her California internship and lived in South Bend Indiana. They then moved to the Appleton area and raised their family. Dorothy spent her career at Appleton Medical Center (now ThedaCare) and Fresinius Dialysis Clinics as a registered dietician. In the 1980’s Jack bought land in Navarino. Following his passing in 1988, Dorothy was determined to build a vacation spot and enlisted her sons Jon and Mike to build it. “The Hut” came to fruition over the course of just over a year, and for the next number of years, she loved spending time there.

Dorothy loved to travel! Norway was one of her favorite destinations. She loved to investigate and celebrate her Norwegian heritage. She also enjoyed quilting, tending her zinnias and any gathering that involved food. She enjoyed creating food itineraries to be sure they found new and wonderful locations for meals. Dorothy’s greatest passion was her grandchildren.

Dorothy is survived by her children: Jonathan (Leanne) Silha, Jennifer (Robert) Donato, Michael (Heather) Silha; and grandchildren: Natalie, Jack, Kathryn, Evelyn. In addition, she is survived by her siblings: Ronald (Arlis) Jernander, Lois (Dick) Mineo, Lori (DuWayne) Lind; John’s siblings: James (Mary) Silha and Caroline (James) Hyde as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband John “Jack”, and her parents.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday August 12, 2026, at 11:00am at St Edward’s the Confessor, N2926 Hwy 47, Mackville, WI. Friends and family may gather at the church from 9:00am until mass begins. She will be laid to rest at the church cemetery.