Cornelson, John W. (1883-1956)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1956 Mar 29 p. 8

Birth date: 188e Mar 24

text of obituary:

JOHN W. CORNELSON

John W. Cornelson, son of Abraham and Maria Wiens Cornelson, was born March w24, 1883, at Steinbach, Manitoba. in 1894, he came with his mother to live near Jansen, Neb.

In June of 1901, he was baptized upon confession of his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour by Elder A. L. Friesen and became a member of the Mennonite Church at Jansen.

On Dec. 7, 1902, he was united in marriage to Katherina Classen, Fairbury, Neb. The parents lived together for more than 53 years, celebrating their golden wedding anniversary in 1952. To this union eight sons and nine daughters were born. Two daughters and one son preceded him in death.

In February of 1907 the parents moved from Jansen, Neb. to Meade, Kansas where he was engaged in farming. After he retired from farming he was employed as a custodian of Meade public schools. About four years ago when his health would not permit him to carry on this work, they moved to Fowler, Kansas where they resided until his departure.

In June of 1954, they joined the Evangelical Mennonite Brethren Church of Meade, Kan., of which he remained a faithful member to the end. He was greatly concerned about the spiritual welfare of the family. Although his health was failing they attended church services whenever possible and often expressed his appreciation of Christian fellowship.

On Nov. 12, 1955, he became ill, and failed rapidly. After consulting the doctor and upon his recommendation he was taken to the Wesley hospital, Wichita, Kan., where he underwent surgery from which he never recovered. After two weeks he was transferred to the Fowler hospital where he remained until he quietly passed away to be with the Lord at 10 A. M. March 16, 1956.

He leaves to mourn his passing his wife, Katherine, seven sons and seven daughters. They are: Jake of Fowler; John of Channing, Texas; Pete of Meade; Kathryn, Mrs. Roy Mayes of Amarillo, Texas; Helen, Mrs. Clarence Bohling of Stratton, Ohio; George and Ike of Meade; Agnes, Mrs. Evan Webb of Pampa, Texas; Henry of Perryton, Texas; Betty, Mrs. clio Leaky, Arlington, Kansas; Ann, Mrs. John Neufeld, of Monte Vista, Colo.; Gertrude, Mrs. Ralph Paxman of Claflin, Kansas; Esther, Mrs. Fred Brockert, Ensign, Kansas; and Anthony of Scottsbluff, Neb. He also leaves seven daughters-in-law, seven sons-in-law, 33 grandchildren (three preceding him in death), eight great-grandchildren, one sister, Mrs. P. F. Isaac, Meade one brother, Isaac Cornelsen, Steinbach, Manitoba, and a host of relatives and friends.

We feel deeply the bereavement caused by the passing of our dear husband and father, but are comforted in the assurance that our Father in heaven has only thoughts of peace for his members in Christ. — Mrs. John W. Cornelsen and Children.

[Note: This family appears to have used the surnames Kornelsen, Cornelsen and Cornelson at different times.]