Vernice A. (Tongen) Cornelius was born April 3, 1923, to parents August and Cyantha (Isaacs) Tongen in Walhalla, North Dakota. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. She graduated from the Milan, Minnesota High School in 1941. July 15, 1945, she was united in marriage to Virgil Cornelius by Rev. A.N. Olson. To this union three sons were born: Wayne, Dean and Robert. They lived ten years in Montevideo, Minneosta, thirty-five years in San Diego, California, two years traveling in their motorhome after retirement, and in 1991 purchased a home in Clarkfield, Minnesota. Vernice worked as a Nurses Aid in the Chippewa County Montevideo Hospital and Sharp Hospital and the American Airlines in San Diego. She also worked with her husband in his business doing the bookwork. For a short time, she worked for the Clarkfield Outdoors sewing center in Clarkfield. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, hardanger stitchery, oil painting, teaching and making ceramics, flower gardening, quilting for the family and church, besides being a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Vernice passed away February 10, 1998, at the age of 74 after a courageous struggle with cancer. She is survived by husband, Virgil, of 52 years, daughter-in-law Terry (Wayne) Cornelius, grandchildren: Megan and Tyler of Milton, Wisconsin, and Bryan (and Petra) Cornelius and great-granddaughter, Prestan, of Tomacula, California; son Dean (and Regina) Cornelius, grandchildren: Rachel and Caleb of Clarkfield, and Marc of California; Son Robert Cornelius of Oglivie, Minnesota; Sister Sandra (and Robert) Fagen of Montevideo; Brother Curtis (and Audrey) Tongen of Brownton, Minnesota; Sister-in-law Ida Tongen of Glencoe, Minnesota; Brother-in-law Sylvester Christianson of Clarkfield; five aunts and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; son Wayne Cornelius; sister Norma Christianson; Brothers Wayne and Luverne Tongen; and Niece Tamara Fagen. Blessed be her memory. Funeral Service Sunday, February 15, 1998, 2:00 p.m., Clarkfield Lutheran Church, Clarkfield, Minnesota Officiant, Pastor John Bjorge Reading, Rachel Cornelius (Granddaughter) Soloist, Debbie Landmark "In The Garden" "On Eagles Wings" Congregational Hymns "How Great Thou Art" "Lift High the Cross" Honorary Casket Bearers Bryan Cornelius, Marc Cornelius Megan Cornelius, Rachel Cornelius Tyler Cornelius, Caleb Cornelius Final Resting Place Clarkfield Lutheran Church Cemetery, Clarkfield, Minnesota Arrangements by Lynner Funeral Home Since 1891 Clarkfield Minnesota