Josie Fern Cornelius, 96, of Willmar, died Monday, September 28th at Bethesda Grand in Willmar. There will be a visitation from 12:00 pm (noon) – 2:00 pm, Friday, October 2nd at Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar with a private burial to follow in Bethany Reformed Cemetery in Clara City. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson Funeral Home, www.hafh.org. Memorials are preferred and may be directed to Friesen Historical Society, 206 3rd St, Prinsburg, MN 56281 or First Reformed Church in Willmar.
Josie Fern Peters was born August 7, 1924, in Rheiderland Township, Chippewa County, Minnesota, the daughter of Henry and Jennie (Fokken) Peters. She was raised in the Clara City area where she graduated from high school and was baptized at Bethany Reformed Church.
On April 27, 1944, Josie was united in marriage to Habbe (Harm) Cornelius. Josie and Harm farmed in Chippewa County, moved to Florida for a short time, and then lived and owned various businesses in Willmar. Josie was one of the founding members of Friesen Historical Society near Clara City.
She is survived by three daughters: Lin (Wayne) Strong of Almelund, MN; Sheila (and Dick) Bosch of Kandiyohi; and Karla Cornelius of Milford, CT; daughter-in-law, Irene Cornelius of Monticello and brother-in-law, Gordon Boonstra of Apple Valley. She also is survived by nine grandchildren: Jenifer, Aaron and Jason Strong, Allen, Adam and Andrew Bosch, Amy Ziedler, Sara Lundquist and Nathan Cornelius along with 18 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Harm; son, Kevin, and sisters, Alice Caspers and Marjorie Boonstra.
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