Virgil Melroy Cornelius (June 22, 1925 ~ May 3, 2012) Virgil Melroy Cornelius was born June 22, 1925, to parents John and Mary (Amundson) Cornelius on their farm in Lisbon Township, Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at Bergen Lutheran Church. He attended Country School and Clarkfield School. He married his childhood sweetheart, Vernice Tongen, on July 15, 1945. That same year, Virg joined his four brothers in the service of his country in WWII. He was honorably discharged July 1947. Virg and Verny lived in Montevideo, Minnesota, for the next ten years. Three sons were born to this union: Wayne, Dean and Robert. They moved to San Diego, California, in the late 1950s where they lived for the next 35 years. In 1988 they retired, sold their home in San Diego and purchased a motor home. They traveled the next few years. In 1991 they purchased a home in Clarkfield, Minnesota, close to their relatives and friends. They spent the next few years in Minnesota in the spring, summer and fall. They would spend the winters in San Diego with their children and grandchildren. In 1998 Vernice passed away. A short time later, Virgil sold their home and moved in with his son, Robert. Virgil was a mechanic for most of his life. He had a successful automobile repair business in San Diego. He was well thought of by his many loyal customers. His passion in life was fishing. He took many fishing trips with family and friends to the ocean off San Diego, down to Mexico, the Colorado River, and salmon fishing in Northern California. He also fished all over Minnesota. He was a great fisherman. He even went fishing on his honeymoon! Virgil loved playing cards with family and friends. He enjoyed gardening and flowers. He loved his family and siblings and was always there for them when the need arose. Virgil passed away at the Clarkfield Care Center on May 3rd, 2012, at the age of 86 years following a courageous battle with cancer. He is survived by his daughter-in-law, Terry Cornelius of Fallbrook, California; and sons: Dean (Regina) Cornelius and Robert Cornelius both of Clarkfield. His is also survived by grandchildren: (Terry's family) Brian (Petra) Cornelius and family Prestan and Marley, Megan (Jeremy) Webster and Lucia, Tyler Cornelius, and (Dean's family) Marc (special friend Kellyn) Cornelius, Rachel (Dennis) Androli and family Jenae and Jacob, and Caleb (special friend Kayla) Cornelius. Also surviving are sisters: Janice Kietzmann and Doris Morland, sisters-in-law: Ruby Cornelius, Sandra (Robert) Fagen, Audrey Tongen; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Vernice; son Wayne; sibings: Chester, Ward, James, Alvin, Armenta and brothers-in-law: Gerald Keitzmann and Arden Morland. Visitation Friday, May 11, 2012, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Clarkfield Lutheran Church, Clarkfield, Minnesota Memorial Service Friday, May 11, 2012 ~ 2:00 p.m. Clarkfield Lutheran Church, Clarkfield, Minnesota Clergy Officiatiing, Pastor Christopher Zuraff Organist, Karen Donner Congregational Hymns "Amazing Grace" "On Eagles Wings" "In the Garden" "Battle Hymn of the Republic" Family Comments by the Grandchildren Urn Bearers (grandchildren) Brian Cornelius ~ Megan Webster Tyler Cornelius ~ Marc Cornelius Rachel Androli ~ Caleb Cornelius Final Resting Place Clarkfield Lutheran Cemetery Clarkfield, Minnesota Military Rites J. Ben Johnson Post 169 Clarkfield, Minnesota Arrangements by Lynner Funeral Home Since 1891 Clarkfield Minnesota