Joshua David Cornelius

Joshua David Cornelius was born on December 9, 1984, to David and Sharon (Mensink) Cornelius. He was baptized and confirmed at Clarkfield Lutheran Church. He attended school in Clarkfield through 8th grade and attended and graduated from Yellow Medicine East High School in 2004. On September 11, 2022, he became a member of the Clarkfield Assembly of God Church.

Josh had an amazing love of life. He became a warrior with his fight against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.  He fought many battles that he won against many odds. As his body grew weaker, his spirit became stronger.  His love of Jesus showed through his very being. Through his journey he never grew bitter but was rather joyful in learning to do things a different way. Even when Josh was the sickest, his concern was for those around him, making sure they were okay. 

Josh loved cheering for the Minnesota Twins and the Minnesota Vikings and never missed a game. He loved having friends over to watch Vikings games—the sound of laughter throughout the house was amazing. Josh was a very proud uncle to Maxton and Aubrey and enjoyed every minute spent with them. He enjoyed spending time on his computer to watch movies and to keep in touch with friends and family. It would make his day when the many visitors would come to see him. 

When Josh needed a companion the most a cat named Sadie chose us to be her family.  Most of the time she could be found curled up against Josh’s leg.  This brought Josh so much comfort.  Josh was blessed with amazing nurses and PCA’s that he loved like family. They helped Josh find ways to do things differently, like playing cards and crafts that he enjoyed doing. 

Josh passed away peacefully at the age of 37 on Friday, November 11th, 2022 at home.  He is survived by his parents, David and Sharon; sister, Lynn (Brandon) Groenhoff; nephew, Maxton Groenhoff and niece, Aubrey Groenhoff; grandparents, Curt and Trudy Mensink, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Josh was preceded in death by his brother, Joey; grandparents, Allen and Ramona Cornelius; uncles, Travis Mensink, Mike Westre, and Mick Evans; aunt, Trudy Shaw, and cousin, Jennifer Shaw. 

Visitation will be on Wednesday, November 16th, 2022 from 12 to 2 PM at Clarkfield Lutheran Church, followed by the funeral service at 2 PM. Interment to follow in the Clarkfield Lutheran Cemetery. 

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