John S. Cornell, age 71, of Canby, MN, passed away in New London, MN on Thursday, November 14, 2024. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. on Friday, November 22, 2024 at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Canby, MN. Burial will be in the Canby City Cemetery, Canby. Visitation will be 4 – 7 p.m. with a 7 p.m. Prayer Service at the Houseman Funeral Home, Birk Chapel in Canby and will resume Friday one hour prior to the service at the church. Houseman Funeral Home, Birk Chapel in Canby is entrusted with the arrangements.
John Stanley Cornell was born in Marshall, MN on November 15, 1952 to Edwin and Louise (Schwartz) Cornell. He was raised on the family farm southwest of Canby, and John graduated from Canby High School in 1970 as an active participant in FFA throughout high school. Afterwards, he attended vocational school at MN West where he studied production agriculture. John began a lengthy career as a feed and seed salesman with Ralco in 1985 before transitioning to an independent consultant representing various brands and dealers over the years including Croplan Genetics, Asgrow, Stein, Northrup King, DeKalb, Dahlgren, and Hefty. On August 28, 1982 John was united in marriage to Debra Ann Stubbe at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church. This union was further blessed with the arrivals of Derrik, Danielle, and Dallas. John remained a member of Our Saviour’s his entire life and was quite active in the church. He served as Sunday School Superintendent for over 30 years and enjoyed assisting with Lenten Soup Suppers and holiday pageants. In addition to his roles within the church, John was an active participant in the communities in which he lived. He served as a Den Leader with Cub Scouts for several years, acted as secretary for the Porter Town & Country Club for over 40 years, and held various positions upon the Marble Township Board and Lac qui Parle Yellow Bank Watershed District. John also took great joy in portraying Santa Claus for many years and loved being able to delight area youth at various holiday events. John enjoyed farming and more specifically, making hay. He spent countless hours in his 4440 John Deere with his round baler putting up hay for himself and several neighbors over the years. Four-wheeler rides, fishing, and spending time at lakeside resorts were enjoyed in his spare time. His family was always dear to his heart, and he deeply cherished the time he was able to spend with his grandchildren. He will always be remembered for his kindness, outgoing personality, and ability to make everyone feel welcome in his presence.
Grateful for having shared John’s life is his wife of 42 years, Debra, his children: Derrik (Becky) Cornell, Danielle (Chad Ahrendt, fiancé) Cornell, and Dallas (Erin) Cornell, and his ten grandchildren: Peyton, Aubrey, Gavyn, Kiley, Kaylee, Beau, Asher, Annastasia, Eliah, and Lakyn. He is preceded in death by his infant older brother, Edwin, Jr.; his parents, Edwin and Louise Cornell, and his parents-in-law, Alvin and Elaine Stubbe.
