Barbara Jean Kornelsen

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Mom, Wife, Grandma, and Great-Grandma, Barbara Jean Kornelsen, on October 16, 2025.

Barbara is survived by her Husband Dean; Daughters Jan & Mari; Grandkids Tara, Jeff & Holly; Step-Grandkids Brad & Cammie and 8 Great-Grandkids.

Born and raised in Reedley, California, Barbara graduated from Immanuel High School before continuing her education at Tabor College. In August of 1957, she married Dean Kornelsen and moved to Denver, where they raised their two daughters, Janelle Sue and Mari Jean. Although Barbara’s main career was in accounting, her true passion was serving and loving her family.

Barbara was a devoted member of both Garden Park Mennonite Church and Belleview Acres Mennonite Church, where she served faithfully as the church pianist and office manager. Her life exemplified the virtues described in Proverbs 31, a chapter that highlights the traits of an ideal woman:

• Worth more than rubies

• Lacking nothing of value

• Doing only good to those she loves

• Not idle or lazy

• Hardworking

• Wise with finances and providing for her family

• Strong

• Generous

• Supportive

• Full of integrity

• Possessing a sense of humor

• Giving wise advice

• Faithful

• Called blessed by her children and praised by her husband

• Loving and fearing the Lord

Mom was the epitome of the Proverbs 31 lady, and we have cherished calling her that. We cannot imagine a better wife to have shared life with, or mother to have been raised by, and we all thank God for her every day.

Mom taught us to laugh at the silliness of life, maintain integrity in challenging times, and show mercy and forgiveness in every circumstance. She loved her family- no matter who that included-and she had a special way of “classing up” every situation she encountered. Most importantly, she showed us what love truly looks like.

For years, Barbara fought the terrible disease of dementia with grace. Though we often questioned how to navigate life without her wisdom, we could still hear her reassuring voice saying, “Oh, you’re fine.” Even now, as we try to say “goodbye for now,” we feel her calm, sturdy presence assuring us that everything will be okay.

Among all the lessons she taught us, the greatest was love. She loved Dad, she loved her kids, she loved her grandchildren, and she loved her Lord. Even through tears, we’re learning to love her enough to be happy for her – happy that she is healthy, whole, and safe in the arms of her Savior. And we are so thankful that we have eternity together.

So for now we say, “We love you, Mom, more than we can possibly express, and we miss you so much. Thank you for who you are, all you’ve done, and we look forward to seeing you again!”