Denny Fleet Cornelius Jr., 88

Denny Fleet Cornelius Jr., 88, went to be with his Lord on May 19, 2015, while in The Garden memory care unit at Orchard Ridge assisted living. Denny was born to Dennis Cornelius and Lillian (Harris) on July 26, 1926, in Los Angeles, Calif.

Along with his younger brother, Jim, Denny would enjoy spending most summers visiting grandparents and relatives in Birmingham, Ala. He looked back with fondness on his memories growing up in SoCal and Alabama. Jim and Denny both attended Beverly High School where they met and shared several lifelong friendships.

Denny enlisted in the Army-Aircorp and served in the Pacific Theater during World War II as part of the Air Attack Unit 1.51. While in the Marshall Islands, he observed testing of the atomic bomb. After discharge from the service, he began his career as a board certified dental technician with Cornelius Dental Ceramics, a company established by his father. When his father died, he and his brother Jim purchased the laboratory from their mother.

Later, Denny served as President of NADCA (National Association of Dental Ceramic Arts). Always one for traveling, Denny would represent Cornelius Dental Ceramics at various dental conventions throughout the west. During one of these conventions he became enchanted with the Coeur d'Alene region, and it became one of his dreams to eventually move here. He relocated to north Idaho in 1978 where he established Denny Cornelius Dental Ceramics. After he closed his lab, he worked for AU Dental as a sales rep.

Denny met his love, Shirley Peterson, in the fall of 1954 at First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood where they married Jan. 8, 1955. A few years later, they had twin sons, Craig and Mark. Denny and Shirley began their early family life in Sherman Oaks, Calif., and then moved to Calabasas, Calif., where they raised their sons.

Denny enjoyed camping and backpacking with his sons. In mid-life, he climbed Mount Whitney, which for him was a major achievement. He always encouraged his sons' adventures and supported them in any way he could. He loved snow skiing, boating and fishing. Denny liked to travel and visited every state in the U.S. in addition to spending time in Mexico and Canada. He was a member of the Welcomers Club.

Denny was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He was beloved by his family and he loved people. Preceding him in death were his parents; his brother Jim; and his grandson, Paul. Denny is survived by his wife of 60 years, Shirley; children Craig and Lisa Cornelius, and Mark and Debi Cornelius; grandchildren David and Lynne Atem, and Jesse Cornelius; and great-grandsons, twins Andrew and Levi Atem. Also included are Scott Bailey and Lynne Bailey-Bausmith, and their respective families.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to The Garden at Orchard Ridge for their kindness and compassion in caring for Denny the past two years. We're also grateful to Hospice of North Idaho for their assistance. There will be a small private service for the family.

The family finds great comfort in knowing that Denny is a follower of Jesus Christ, and we share a hope of being reunited together once again. He was a member of His Place Church.

Psalm 116:15 - Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his faithful servants.

Yates Funeral Homes has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements.