James Korneisel

James Robert “Bob” Korneisel passed away at the age of 93 on Saturday, September 10th, 2022 at Westview Care Center in Britt. He was born on April 28, 1929 to Carl and Barbara (Brechwald) Korneisel in Britt and lived his entire life there.  

He graduated from Britt High School in 1947, attended 1 year at Iowa State University, then entered the Army, where he served in the US Army Band and later in the National Reserves for several years.

He worked alongside his father in the Britt Pantorium dry-cleaning business and eventually bought the business himself.  On June 10, 1950 he married his high school sweetheart, Phyllis Smith, at the Methodist Church in Britt. During their retirement years, the couple enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and in Europe. They celebrated 60 years of marriage before she passed away Sept. 17th, 2010.

Bob was a gifted musician, playing French horn and piano. He was dedicated to the town of Britt, being heavily involved in the community.  He was a charter member of the Lions Club in 1950 and an active member for most of the rest of his life. He was also among the first to volunteer for the West Hancock Ambulance Service as an EMT and driver. Bob was a member of the United Methodist Church in Britt. He loved to play golf and bridge, and in later years 500 with the Silver Stars card club. He was often seen riding his bike around town. 

Preceding Bob in death are his parents, his wife Phyllis, 2 brothers (Ken and Keith), 1 sister (Bunny Hullinger), 3 brothers-in-law (Meredith Shriver, Lyle Hullinger, and Chuck Smith), and 2 sisters-in-law (Millie Korneisel and Joy Smith).

Survivors include his sister Kathryn Shriver of Jefferson; his son Kurt Korneisel of Murrieta, California; daughter Marcia Korneisel of Ames, Iowa; son Kent Korneisel (Isiaah Crawford) of Tacoma, Washington; and many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In keeping with his wishes, there will be no public visitation or funeral service. A family Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.  Bob chose to be cremated, and his ashes will be spread by family members at Eagle Lake.  

Any memorial donations may be directed to West Hancock Ambulance Service, West Hancock Scholarship Fund, Britt United Methodist Church, Hancock County Historical Society, or a charity of choice, and sent to the family’s attention, c/o Ewing Funeral Home, P.O. Box 342, Britt, IA 50423.