Obituary of John William Cornelius

John William Cornelius was proud to be an American, a veteran and a friend to so many in the Verde Valley. He died on April 5, 2017 due to complications following a stroke. John was born in McLaughlin, South Dakota on April 23, 1918, one of ten siblings of Wense and Frances Cornelius. After serving in the U.S. Army in WWII, stationed in North Africa and Italy, he returned to southern California where he worked for the Hearst Corporation for 40 years before retiring and moving to Sedona. John was an avid golfer, winning his first championship at age 13 in Washington State. During his last 11 years he rallied for veteran's benefits, arranging raffles for the Prescott Disabled Veterans. He is survived by his wife Peggy of 60 years, daughter Cathleen, son-in-law John, brothers Paul and Bob and sister Mabel. Funeral services will be private but condolences can be shared via www.buelerfuneralhome.com. His family requests donations to the V.A. Hospital in Prescott in lieu of flowers: Northern Arizona Healthcare System, Guest Services, 500 N US Hwy 89, Blding 15 Theater, Prescott, AZ 86313.