Obituary of Ed Cornelsen

Following a brief illness, Ed Cornelsen, 83 years old, of Rosenort, MB, passed away on November 30th 2020, at Boundary Trails Health Centre. Having shed his earthly burdens, he is now in the presence of Jesus, in glory. He was born on April 21, 1937 to Isaac and Justina Cornelsen, the fifth child of seven. Ed is survived by his wife of 50 years, Kathy, one son Brian (Marla), grandsons Austin, Michael, and Tristan, two daughters Sharon and Gwendolyn, brothers Art and Jake (Joyce), and brother-in-law John Reimer. Ed is predeceased by his parents Isaac and Justina Cornelsen, his brother John (Susan), sisters Evelyn (Pete) Friesen, Nettie Rose Cornelsen, Anne Reimer, and sister-in-law Rose Cornelsen. As a young man, as soon as he was of age, Ed bought a truck, started trucking, and kept trucking until he retired. He hauled pulp wood for the Kenora Pulp and Paper Mill for a number of years¬¬-¬-sometimes being the top truck. He also hauled grain, and a lot of gravel. Mainly a grain farmer by profession, he was a strong man of tall stature, with large strong hands. His hard work and wisdom in financial decisions brought stability, whether the fields flourished or were hit hard by the weather. He trusted in God’s providence, and was faithful with what was in his hands to do. He kept the farmyard neat and tidy, with everything in order. In addition, He served on the Manitoba Pool Elevator board at McTavish, and was involved with the Canadian Food Grains Bank, and helped to organize a local chapter, The Scratching River Growing Project. Further, he participated in the Scratching River Tractor Club and the Tractor Trek for Eden Foundation. Throughout his life, Ed enjoyed going on trips, whether with his wife or with the whole family. An excellent driver, he took road trips by car or motorcycle in Canada and the US, as well as, flights to warm and sunny places. For their anniversary, Ed took Kathy on annual overnight motorcycle trips. Palm Springs was a popular road trip destination. Snowmobiling was something he enjoyed, as well. Camping was a time of recreation in summer when not busy on the field. Playing games, such as Elfer Raus, Skip-bo, and Rummy, was a popular pastime. A favourite Father’s Day activity was lawn bowling. Regular church attendance was important to Ed. He served as an usher, a conference delegate, and on the building committee for Rosenort Fellowship Chapel. He had a strong sense of right and wrong, and spoke up against compromise. He desired for all his children and grandchildren to know the LORD. A private family funeral service will be held on Friday December 4, 2020, at Rosenort Cemetery. The family wishes to thank the people that prayed for them in this difficult time, and those that compassionately cared for Ed. In Ed Cornelsen’s memory, donations may be made to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank.