Vernon Corneil

Vernon George Woodrow Corneil, 91, of Willmar, died Friday at Rice Memorial Hospital following an extended illness.



The service will be at 11am Tuesday at First Baptist Church in Willmar. A private family burial service will take place before the service at Fairview Cemetery. Visitation is from 5 to 8 pm on Monday at First Baptist Church in the lower level of the Youth Center. Memorials are preferred to Rice Hospice or the First Baptist Church Missions Fund. Arrangements are with Peterson Brothers Funeral Home.



Vernon George Woodrow Corneil was born the son of Thomas George Corneil and Ruby (Campbell) Corneil in Willows, Saskatchewan, Canada at the family farm. Due to severe asthma and hay fever, he and his family decided his health would be better away from grain farming, and at age 15, he went to live with an uncle and aunt, Alfred and Edna Peterson, in Willmar. He finished his schooling at Willmar High School and became a US citizen in 1941. He married Lucille "Tweet" Anderson in 1939, and just recently celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary. He worked at the Willmar Journal and later the predecessor of Ray Peterson Shoe Store. In 1942 he entered the insurance profession as an agent with State Farm. He was joined by his long time business partner Harold Elkjer in 1949, and the agency became known as Corneil-Elkjer Agency. The agency later added real estate services, and became associated with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Service for a number of years. Vern officially retired in 1984, after serving 42 years in the insurance profession... but he stayed on as a consultant for another 3 years. He sold his interest in the agency to his son Tom, who continues with the agency today.



Vernon was civic minded and served on the boards of the Salvation Army, the Willmar Chamber of Commerce, as Vice President of West Central Industries Board during the construction of a new facility, the Mayor's advisory Committee, and Christian Businessmen's Group.



Vern took up golfing and played many years in men's golf leagues, most recently teaming with his "pardner" Frank Wilkins at Valley Golf. He was also valued as a trusted source for establishing values for coins and watches for estates.

However, his interest in the spiritual welfare of those around him was always very important. His interest was evident at First Baptist Church, where he was a longtime member. He served as Sunday School teacher, Deacon, Youth Leader, and Young Men's Bible Study leader. He also served on the Minnesota Baptist Missions Board for many years, as well as several pastoral call committees. Vern and his wife's interest in spiritual areas led them to open up their home to college and foreign exchange students.

Vern was best known for his honest, friendly, humorous unassuming style and personality. His trademark was to offer a new friend a "pencil". His grandchildren were special to him as he often made the "duck quacking" noise when they were younger, and enjoyed following them at many school and athletic activities as they grew older.



Vernon will be greatly missed by his wife Lucille "Tweet"; four children, Vernelle "Nell" (and David) Herzer, Sharon (and Daniel) Hansen, Thomas (and Karen) Corneil, all of Willmar, Peggy (and Cedric) Boese of Montana, one foster son Rody (and Tanya) Young of St .Cloud; 14 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grand children.

Also surviving is one sister Mildred Pomrenke of Saskatchewan, Canada.



He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Hiram Corneil.