Gaylen Cornelius, formerly of Clarkfield, died Sunday, February 16, 2020 at United Hospital in St. Paul, MN at the age of 97. Memorial services will be held on Friday, February 21, 2020 at 11:00 AM at Clarkfield Lutheran Church. Pastor Jean M. Megorden will officiate and burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church for one hour before the service on Friday. Gaylen Phillip Cornelius was born October 12, 1922 in Lisbon Township, Yellow Medicine County, MN the son of Conrad and Amanda (Grinager) Cornelius.  He was baptized and confirmed at Bergen Lutheran Church.   He attended rural school and graduated from Clarkfield High School in 1940.  Gaylen was united in marriage with Elaine Isaacs at Hazel Run Lutheran Church November 27, 1954.  They made their home in Clarkfield and Gaylen worked as an auto mechanic at Clarkfield Motor Sales for many years. In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting and fishing.  He also enjoyed watching his grandchildren's sporting events.  Gaylen was an avid MN Twins and MN Vikings fan. He especially cherished his time with family and friends.   Gaylen and Elaine moved  to the Metro area to be closer to family two years ago. He is survived by his wife, Elaine; daughter, LeAnn (Jerome) Moe; grandchildren: Justin (Desiree) Moe, Josselyn (Dan) Dolsky, Jennilee (Steven) Amoapim; great-grandchildren: Tianna, Chase, Ylke, Olen, Taylor, Adrian, Agatha, Connor; brothers: Allen Cornelius, Donald (Delores) Cornelius; brothers-in-law: Stan Lynne, Elwood (Linda) Isaacs, Dean (Nona) Isaacs, Dale (Addie) Isaacs; sisters-in-law: Carol Davy, Joanne Melbostad, Sharon (Bob) Fischer; numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Clinton Cornelius; sisters: Darleen Sather and Shirley Lynne; sisters-in-law: Eleanor Cornelius and Ramona Cornelius, and brothers-in-law: Rueben Sather, Peter Isaacs and Arvid Melbostad.