Kornelson, Henry H. (1890-1974)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1974 Dec 13 p. 38; 1975 Jan 24 p. 31

Birth date: 1890 Feb 25

text of obituary:

REV. HENRY H. KORNELSON

Henry Kornelson was born in South Russia to Henry and Anna (nee Neumann) Kornelson, on February 25, 1890. When he was 15 years old he lost his father. Shortly after, he accepted Christ as his Saviour; he was baptized in 1906 and became a member of the Mennonite Brethren Church.

He received his elementary education in Alexanderkrone, Molotschna. In 1913 he went to Germany to study engineering. With the advent of World War I he became a civil internee and had to work as farm helper. This marked the beginning of his ministry with the word of God. He was permitted to conduct Bible studies among the Mennonites of Prussia. He was released in 1918 and allowed to go home. This was during the time of famine caused in part by the revolution in Russia. When the American Mennonites sent relief supplies, he acted as interpreter and helped in the distribution.

On October 28, 1923 he was married to Sara Reimer and 1924 they emigrated to Canada, living first in Dalmeny, Sask., then n Grande Prairie, Alta. and since 1926 in Coaldale, Alta. Last year they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary, which was cause of rejoicing for the whole church.

When they came to Coaldale, Henry Kornelson was called to the ministry by the church and was ordained on Nov . 1, 1936. He went on to become a noted preacher and scholar of the Bible, speaking on and interpreting prophecy in many churches of the brotherhood.

On November 14 he had to undergo surgery, from which he did not rally. His last words, before the operation, were a prayer of trust and surrender to God's will, and for every member of the family. On November 18 the Lord called his servant home.

He leaves his sorrowing family: Sara, his wife; two daughters: Anne, just returned from Quito, Ecuador, and Elvira and John Dueck of Coaldale; three sons: Henry and Elisabeth of Abbotsford, B.C., Rudy and Heidi of Edmonton, and Arnold and Anne of Lethbridge, Alta.; and 16 grandchildren. The memory of a father who loved his Bible and served the Lord will remain a challenge to follow in his footsteps.

The funeral was conducted by Rev. Rudy Heidebrecht in the Coaldale Mennonite Brethren Church on November 23.

The funeral was held November 14 at the South Abbotsford Mennonite Brethren Church. Don Balzer officiated.