Nels Hasty Cornelius suffered an injury at work and passed away on July 28, 2023.

He is preceded by his wife, Theresa (Dunn) Cornelius, his parents, Elmer Sr and Mary Leona (Neisius) Cornelius, and brother, Richard Ole Cornelius. 

Nels is survived by his children, Gene (Michele), Emily, Wendy (Scott) Lawyer, Logan (Courtney), Gideon (Katie), Danny (Briauna) and Eddie (Samantha)

and 

Nine grandchildren Diora, Jules, Brynn, Sere, Rhys, Landon, Teagan, Ellie Rose, and Forest and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Surviving Siblings are Elmer Jr. (Linda), Mary Kay Pauley (Gary), Linda Sue Vaughn, Barbara Ruth (Rene), Peter Roy (Colleen), and Sister-in-law Debbie Cornelius.

His many pets including Clancy and Twinks, will miss him daily.

Nels has 40 years of extraordinary work in construction and carpentry and helping his community through coaching and dog rescue. He was respected by untold numbers of friends, crews, subcontractors, engineers, and equipment & project managers and the Local 751 Carpenters Union.

Sadly we must say farewell to our father (Pa), our brother, our uncle, our coworker, and our friend.

To know who Nels was is to understand one of his favorite comments, “It’s all good”. He took the long view of life and believed that with time and positive expectations any challenge would turn out for the best. Look for the “good” and it will be found. Nels had a life well lived, he lived and died doing things his way whenever possible, and on his terms.

There are not enough words to describe the many trials and achievements that are his forever. The stories are yet to be told, but for now many will not come, as they are hidden behind the sadness. 

As the stories surface, Nels will be remembered as an honest, well spoken man with a good heart. When he looked directly into ones eyes there was no doubt he believed in what he was saying and meant what he said. 

In short he was real, and expected to be taken as he was, not as anyone wanted him to be. Nels would always try to make those around him feel at ease, even when dealing with difficult issues. Nels was first and foremost a gentleman, especially with the love of his life, Theresa. 

Nels set an example for anyone to follow and he only wanted to be remembered as someone who never asked for anything in return nor any gifts, all he ever wanted was A Few Kind Words.

Please use this guest book to share with the Family how Nels touched your lives, and share a few kind words for this exceptional man.