Donald John Kornemann, a former Miles City resident, passed away on Friday, December 27, 2013 at Parkhaven Assisted Living in Manhattan, Montana.
Don was born on February 3, 1926 in Deadwood, South Dakota, the son of Julius and Martha Kornemann. He grew up and attended country schools in the area of Albion, Montana and Deadwood, South Dakota. He joined the Army at the age of 17 and served his country in Italy towards the end of WWII. After the war, he returned home to work on his dad’s sheep ranch near Albion. After teaching himself to play the drums, he joined a local band and played for many of the country dances in the area. It was at one of these dances in Albion, that he met Esther Lyons. They were married on February 15, 1947. For over thirty years they raised sheep, cattle and three children. Don dedicated his life to the ranch, his family and the community. He served on the local school board and the Southeast Rural Electric Association, was the area brand inspector, and was always available to offer a helping hand to his neighbors. In 1979, they moved to Miles City to semi-retire. However, Don continued his passion for ranching and leased a small ranch near Kinsey with his long-time friend, Ken Deitchler. Don will be remembered for his long time membership with the Miles City VFW and as the Quarter Master for over eight years. He was a member of the Miles City VFW post #1579, Honor Guard and served as a rifleman at military funerals. Don also enjoyed a good fishing hole and told many tales about fishing trips with fishing buddy, Bob Baker!
Don was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Robert, his wife Esther, and a grandson, Ryan McNelis. Don is survived by his son, Mike Kornemann of Belle Fourche, SD; daughter, Marilyn (Kevin) McNelis of Belgrade, MT; son, Kelly (Toni) Kornemann of Moorcroft, WY; his grandchildren: Wacey (Heather) Kornemann of Capitol, MT; Wade (Jessica) Kornemann and great grandson, Ryder; Kellie McNelis of Missoula, MT; Katie Fujiwara (Steve) and great grandson, Sawyer; and Kiera McNelis of Sugarland, Texas.
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 3, 2014 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Military Graveside services will be held on Friday, January 3, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at the Eastern Montana State Cemetery in Miles City with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Rocky Mountain Hospice, 301 Edelweiss Drive, Suite 6, Bozeman, Montana 59718 or to an organization of choice.
Ern and Esther Nelson says
To the family of Don , our sympathy and prayers are with you all !! We so enjoyed having your parents as neighbor and those get togethers with other neighbors in the evenings. Loved those days ! Blessings To All.
Larry and Madge Pilster and family says
Our heartfelt prayers are with each and everyone of you..May God put his everloving arm around each of you and may He give you His everlasting Peace to get through this time of dispair..We remember both your folks so well and loved them both..I guess both of our families will just have to move ahead one day at a time…Cherish those memories…Love to all of you!!!
Dallerie Riesland says
Thoughts and prayers your way. I have fond memories of Don and family. God Bless. Dallerie Walker Riesland
Roger and Bonnie Ballou says
I have many memories of the Family in our Growing up with Don and Ester —Beautiful People–Wonderful Neighbors–Cherish those times–God Bless You All in the Days Ahead– Bonnie Walker Ballou
Janet and Horval Jensen , Tami, Lee & Heidi, Tucker, Hadlie, Gunner says
BLessings to your family. Our sympathy is with you
Tracee Raymond-Waples & Deryl Waples & Family says
Marilyn and the entire Kornemann Family,
We (Deryl and I) have often wondered how you all were doing but we haven’t traveled your way in the last few years. We are so very sorry for your loss…When we traveled to Miles we certainly missed not being able to visit with your dad after his move. We really miss your mother and think of her often. We want you to know that you all our in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Please know that your parents were wonderful people and they both will certainly be missed. If there is anything that we can do please let us know. However, maybe you can find some comfort knowing that your folks are together now in a better place.
John and Rebecca Murray and the Parkhaven Staff and Residents says
Please know how much we miss Don. He was truly a bright spot for us here at Parkhaven. Thank you for entrusting us with his care until the end. It was a real gift to us and he has enriched our lives. May your memories comfort you at this time of loss.
Shane and Jill Garman and family says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kornemann family. We are sorry for your loss.
Troy and Carla Peterson says
Kelly and Toni, we are so sorry for your loss! Thinking of you!
jim and karen ferris says
kelly-mike-marlyn and familys when the folks moved north to mc and sunday creek we had many good times playing cards and meals together . they lived just up the creek from us. also the friendship of ken and eva ditchler. my the prayers and love carry you through. Jim and Karen
Ann and Ron Roberts says
We were so lucky to have known your mom and dad. They will always have a special place in our hearts. We are blessed with happy memories of them from Sunday Creek. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Take care, Ann and Ron
Jerel kornemann says
Heart felt sorry about uncle don ‘s death. Found out by web/buck
Patrick Paulson says
Donnie was a Giant of a Man !!
Married to the Sweetest Gal, my Aunt, this world has ever known!!
I shook his hand in 1956, I was 4 1/2., a city tyke from Los Angeles.
My whole childhood is a series of Great Car Trip Adventures every 3-4 years to from LA to South Dakota and Wyoming, via Utah. We were Real Cowboys!
Much love to my cousins Mike, Marilyn and Kelly, who always took us city kids under their wings! sniff…looks like its lambin’ time again