In Memory of Richard "Rick" Cornelius

Richard “Rick” Cornelius, age 68, of Arthur, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, October 5, 2023, at his residence of Arthur, Iowa.

A come and go Celebration of Life Service will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., on Sunday, November 26, 2023, at the Moorehead Park Depot of Ida Grove, Iowa.

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements.  Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Richard “Rick” Cornelius, the son of Harold V. and Mary N. (Lee) Cornelius, was born on November 24, 1954, in Denison, Iowa. He received his education at Ar-We-Va High School. After high school, Rick enlisted in the U.S. Army proudly serving his country.

Upon his honorable discharge, Rick began working at Farmland Foods in Denison. In 1974 he was united in marriage to Sheila Vaughn. They were blessed with five children: April, Crystal, Amanda, Tracy and Michael. The couple later part ways. 

In 1989 Rick began working at Midwest Industries in Ida Grove, Iowa, as welder. He continued his employment there until his retirement in 2015 due to health issues. On August 19, 1995, Rick married Kathleen “Kathy” Meggers. The couple made their home on an acreage in Arthur, Iowa. 

Rick enjoyed woodworking, making wooden crafts, tinkering outside, and fixing up his trike. He treasured spending time with his family and friends. Rick will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved him. 

Left to cherish his memory include his wife Kathy Cornelius of Arthur, IA; children April (Brian) Gallagher of North Carolina, Crystal (John) Van Why of North Carolina, Amanda (Brian) Doran of New Jersey, Tracy Cornelius of New Jersey and Michael Cornelius of New Jersey; stepsons Chris (Chasity) Klink of Ankeny, IA, Cory Klink of Charter Oak, IA and Cole (Mallory) Klink of Kansas City, MO; 6 grandchildren, 9 step grandchildren and 2 step great-grandchildren; brothers Ron (Bonnie) Cornelius of Vail, IA, Leonard (Barb) Cornelius of Cannon, TX and Randy Cornelius of Kiron, IA; sisters Joyce Cornelius (special friend Myron) of Denison, IA, Pat (Roger) Clark of Battle Creek, IA, Peg (Charlie) Malone of Dunlap, IA, Linda Mackey of Ida Grove, IA and Sandy (Tim) Corbin of Paullina, IA; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Mary Cornelius; in-laws Leonard and Joyce Meggers; and brother-in-law Jeffery Meggers.