Obituary of Arthur Cornelsen

Art was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He was self employed, and cared about his family and community. Art was born May 1rst, 1939 to Isaac and Justina Cornelsen of Rosenort Mb. Dad grew up on the family farm, he was the second youngest in a family of 7 children. He was taught about the values of hard work and discipline. Dad went to school and was in the very first graduating class with a grade 12 education in Rosenort. Graduating with him, was his future wife Roseline Warkentin. Dad noticed the teller at the local supply store started to pursue her. Rose was a pretty girl with a strong spiritual stand, and told him that he needed to get right with God if he wanted to date her. This encouragement helped him to dedicate his life to Jesus. Dad was baptised and then married to Roseline Warkentin on his 21rst Birthday, in 1959. Mom and Dad raised 3 children on the family farm. His father passed away just as dad was starting his family, and together with his brother Jake, took over managing the farm. As well as managing the farm, dad took on construction projects to augment the revenues. He built many, many Quonsets and barns in Southern Manitoba. He built several homes, and was especially proud to foreman projects like the Pleasant valley Church, the new addition of the Morris EMC Church, and of course his home church, The Rosenort Fellowship Chapel. As Art began to plan for his semi-retirement, he purchased a apartment block in Altona, and became a landlord. He really enjoyed getting to know his tenants, and managing this property. He was a founding member of RFC, and I can remember many times that Mom and dad would pray for our church and its members. He loved to work with MDS and go help others in need of skill sets he could share. I remember even during local disasters like the floods, or tornadoes; Dad was quick to help others, and use leadership skills to rally crews to provide labor to repair and rebuild. Dad saw himself as a “community guy”, and served on many boards. Terms were served on the Morris McDonald School Board, Rosenort Credit Union, Rosenort Housing, and of Course at Rosenort Fellowship Chapel, where he took a turn almost every facet of leadership and service. On many of these boards he would rise to Chair, and was appreciated for his vision and passion. He was tireless, in pursuit of completion of challenges and projects. He wore his heart on his sleeve and often “pushed” to the greater good. Dad fell in love with the concept of “wintering” in Florida, but knew he could not spend 2 -3 months on a beach, and so when invited to the SIM retirement complex, he saw a way to bless others with his giftings, and escape the cold winters of Manitoba. For 26 years Dad and Mom would volunteer support to the SIM Village. Learning to love the missionaries, the volunteers, and the leadership he worked under, over there. It really was a time that defined him He was able to serve God, help others, and lead by example. In his retirement, Dad built a home in Rosenort, and enjoyed his church, his friends, and his family. He enjoyed trips to B.C., played a lot of golf, fishing trips and camping. Sadly, dad lost his best friend and wife just about a year and a half ago, and mourned her deeply. He struggled with Parkinson’s, and then endured isolation this past year with all of the Covid restrictions. He spent his last 3 months in hospital, and had just had a spot designated to him at the Lodge in Morris and We were looking forward to being able to reconnect with him in a more personnel way. Jesus welcomed him to his heavenly home, on Dec 22, 2020. Gently, in his sleep dad passed away, forever to be with his Savior in Glory. He is survived by his two Children and their families: Cameron Cornelsen (Pamela), Arlene Klassen (Nelson); grandchildren; Curtis (Jennifer), Craig (Laura), Brock (Elena), Braden (Josie), Zachary (Breanna), Bradley, and great grandchildren, Elizabeth, Robert, Eli, Nolan, Brooks, and Lyla. By sibling brother Jake Cornelsen, Arthur was predeceased by his beloved wife Roseline, parents Isaac and Justina Cornelsen, daughter Lynette, and daughter-in-law Janet; siblings John, Evelyn, Annie, Nettie, and Ed. We would like to thank our Lord and Saviour for holding Dad near him during these last years, and for taking him home peacefully. We thank the staff of Rosenort Housing, and also the Steinbach and Morris Hospital for their kind service and support. Thank you’s also to our many family and friends for the prayers, encouragement and support. You have blessed and carried us. Love the Family The come and go viewing for Art will be held on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Rosenort Fellowship Chapel. Due to Covid restrictions only 5 people may enter at a time and social distancing protocols along with masks are still mandatory. Please remain inside your vehicle until directed. A video of the funeral service will be posted after the funeral service. donations in memory of Arthur Cornelsen may be made to: Serving in Mission Memorial Fund (Where Art & Rose volunteered for over 25 years) Online: CanadaHelps.org Search for SIM Canada and in notes say: For Sebring Gifts Project #501002 Cheque’s: SIM Canada 10 Huntingdale Blvd Scarborough ON M1W 2S5 (Sebring Project #501002)