A visitation for Gregory E. Cornelius of Emmetsburg will be held Friday, Oct. 30, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Martin-Mattice Funeral Home in Emmetsburg.
A private family service will be held, with Pastor Judy DePue officiating.
Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Emmetsburg. The Martin-Mattice Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Gregory Errol Cornelius, son of Earl and Esther (Behrends) Cornelius, was born Jan. 27, 1950 in Estherville. He received his education in Emmetsburg, graduating from Emmetsburg High School. Greg then continued his education at Iowa Lakes Community College where he completed the Auto Tech Service Training Program.
On Dec. 17, 1969 Greg was united in marriage to Connie Jean Jurries at the United Methodist Church in Fairmont, MN. To this union three children were born. For the first four years after their marriage Greg worked as a farmhand in Dickens. He was also employed at Mefferd Industries in Laurens where he was a welder. Greg worked at Durnell Engineering in Emmetsburg and most recently at AI Processors in Whittemore for many years before his health forced him to quit.
Greg treasured and enjoyed spending time with his wife and his family. He took great pride in having a beautiful garden including gladiolas and fresh vegetables. He loved sharing his produce as well as gardening tips with others. Greg enjoyed watching his favorite team, the Seahawks, and was excited when they won the Superbowl. Before Greg became ill he enjoyed going to coffee, meeting and visiting with people he knew. He considered every new person he met a potential friend.
Greg passed away Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020 at his home in Emmetsburg, at the age of 70. He was preceded in death by his father, Earl Cornelius; his mother Esther Gappa; step father, Mickey Gappa; brothers, Francis Cornelius and Matthew Gappa; sister, Patricia Rider; and great nephew, Justin Dixon.
He is survived by his wife, Connie of Emmetsburg; his children, Angela Cornelius of Emmetsburg, Brenda (John) Christensen of Emmetsburg, and Rebecca (Joe) Niederkofler of Forest City; four grandchildren; one great grandchild; sisters, Judy (Blaine) Thurston of Spencer, Karen Goet-tsche of Emmetsburg, and Margaret Krall of Boone; nieces and nephews; as well as many other relatives and friends.
Condolences can be left at
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