Dorwin B. Cornell JrKewanee, Illinois

Dorwin B. Cornell Jr., 94, of Kewanee, Illinois, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on June 23, 2026 at Hope Creek, Memory Care Unit in Moline, Illinois.

Dorwin was born on September 23, 1931, in Rock Island, Illinois. He lived a life marked by hard work, deep faith, devotion to family, and a love for the outdoors.

Dorwin went to work for International Harvester Farmall in 1950 and proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1952 to 1955. Following his military service, he resumed his career with Farmall where he worked 30 years before retiring in 1980.

Above all, Dorwin cherished time spent with his family. He especially loved taking his children camping and fishing in the Colorado mountains, creating memories that his family will treasure for generations. After retirement, Dorwin continued working as a self-employed contractor with Rock Island and BNSF Railroads, taking down wire from the Quad Cities to New Mexico alongside his sons, Gary and David.  They later became landscape contractors in Greeley, Colorado.

Dorwin was a man of strong faith and had a deep, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. His faith guided every part of his life and brought him strength and peace. He dearly loved his church family at First Congregational Church-SBC in Kewanee and valued the meaningful relationships he built there. He also shared a special bond with his Pastor, Justin Rumley, whose relationship meant a great deal to him.

He married Pauline Stottler on March 9,1951 and together they had 5 children before divorcing in 1966. Dorwin is survived by his five children: Deb (Peter) Poulos of Normal, Illinois; Paula Baker of Rock Island, Illinois; Karen (David) Webster of Colona, Illinois; Gary Cornell of Silvis, Illinois; David Cornell and Amber Einfeldt of Colona, Illinois. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought great joy to his life.

Also surviving are his sister, Shirley Pidcock of Longmont, Colorado; niece, Deanna Daniels of Woodston, Kansas; and nephew, Jay Cornell of Longmont, Colorado.

He was preceded in death by his father, Dorwin B. Cornell Sr., mother, Margaret Cornell, sister Nancy Cornell, grandson Jordan Baker and special friend Mary Lindley.

Dorwin will be remembered for his steadfast faith, strong work ethic, love for family, and the many memories made around campfires, fishing trips, and shared laughter. His legacy lives on in the family he loved so deeply and, in the faith, he passed on to those around him.

Visitation will be held from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm, with funeral services following at 1:30 pm, Friday, June 26, at Rux Funeral Home in Kewanee, Illinois with Pastor Justin Rumley officiating. Military Rites will be accorded by the Kewanee Veterans Council immediately following the funeral at the funeral home. Private burial will follow at Glenwood Cemetery in Colona, Illinois. Memorials may be made to First Congregational Church-SBC.

Though deeply missed, Dorwin’s family finds comfort in knowing he is now home with his Savior.

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