Kornelsen, Peter (1899-1980)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1980 June 27 p. 38

Birth date: 1899 Dec 16

text of obituary:

PETER KORNELSEN

Peter Kornelsen of Clearbrook, B.C. passed away on May 9. He was born to Frank and Nettie (Wiebe) Kornelsen on December 16 1899 in Kaltan, Samara, Russia. He grew up in a Christian home in Kaltan where he also received his elementary schooling. In 1924 the family immigrated to Canada and while on board ship he made his first experience with the Lord. Following several years of farming in the Rosthern area and in Balgonie, Sask. they arrived in Agassiz in 1928 to begin a new life in the west. In 1929 Peter fully surrendered himself to the Lord, was baptized and joined the Yarrow Mennonite Brethren Church. That year he also met Helen Neufeld, whom he married in 1930. They established their home in Yarrow during the difficult Depression years and, in 1946, with a growing family in mind, they moved to East Chilliwack, B.C. where they were able to obtain a larger farm. In early 1960 they moved to Chilliwack to retire and in 1964 Helen passed away. In 1969 Peter married Mrs. Mary (Rempel) Boschman. They lived in Clearbrook until she too passed away in 1975. Peter was predeceased by his first wife Helen, his second wife, Mary and one grand-daughter. He is survived by three sons: Don and his wife Elizabeth of Chilliwack, B.C.; Merv and his wife Mary of Chilliwack; Ray and his wife Susan of Toronto; one daughter, Helen (Mrs. Dave) Esau of Richmond, B.C.; as well as 13 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He is also survived by several children from his second marriage: one son, Henry Boschman; two daughters: Ann (Mrs. Bill) Dyck and Mary (Mrs. Bernie) Dyck and their families; as well as two brothers, six sisters and their families.