Clarence Corneil

Clarence Delmage Corneil, lovingly known by his childhood nickname "Huck," passed away peacefully on May 16, 2026, at the age of 87.

Born on July 2, 1938, in Roundup, Montana, to Earl and Hilda Corneil, Clarence lived a remarkable life filled with laughter, service, adventure, and an unwavering love for people. As a young boy exploring the Badlands around Marmarth with endless curiosity and adventure, he earned the nickname "Huck," after Huckleberry Finn - a name that stayed with him throughout his life and perfectly reflected his adventurous spirit.

Known for his quick wit, incredible storytelling, and sense of humor, Clarence had a gift for making everyone around him smile.

Education was one of Clarence's greatest passions. He earned his undergraduate teaching degree from Dickinson State University and later received his Master of Education from North Dakota State University. Clarence dedicated 38 years to the field of education, spending 13 years in the classroom and 25 years in administration before retiring in 1997. His leadership and commitment to students and teachers earned him numerous honors, including becoming the first principal from North Dakota to receive the National Distinguished Principal Award and multiple Teacher of the Year awards throughout his career. His legacy in education continues through the establishment of the Bell Ringer Award.

In addition to his commitment to education, Clarence was deeply involved in his community. He served on the North Dakota Teachers' Fund for Retirement Board of Trustees, the Presidents Club of the Roughriders, and the Dickinson State University Foundation. He was also a proud member and Exalted Ruler of the Elks, an active member of Kiwanis, and a longtime active member of St. John's Lutheran Church.

Clarence lived life with curiosity and enthusiasm. In his younger years, he was a Golden Gloves boxer. He also loved sports, especially basketball, where he spent many years both playing and coaching. He loved hunting, exploring the outdoors, and searching for dinosaur bones across the rugged North Dakota landscape. After retirement, Clarence, alongside Jan and their son Todd, started Todd's Old Time Photo & Gift Shop in Medora, where he became a familiar and beloved face to visitors and locals alike, always ready with a story, a joke, or a warm conversation.

Above all, Clarence treasured his family, especially his beloved wife, Jan. The two were high school sweethearts and shared a loving marriage of 66 years before her passing. Their story began at a high school basketball game, where Clarence was scouting the opposing team and noticed Jan cheering on the sidelines. From that moment on, the two were rarely apart. Jan was always by his side through every chapter of life, and Clarence routinely referred to her as "the love of his life." Their love, partnership, and devotion to one another were evident to everyone who knew them.

Clarence is survived by his daughter, Crystal (Doug) DeWitt of Gainesville, Georgia; daughter-in-law, Ella-Jo Corneil of Medora, North Dakota; and sister-in-law, Nancy Corneil of Spokane, Washington.

He was a proud grandfather to Christopher (Mary Kate) DeWitt, Courtney (Sam) Flohr, Katie Rapp, and Camron and Carter Corneil. He also leaves behind eight cherished great-grandchildren who brought him endless joy.

Clarence was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Hilda Corneil; his beloved wife, Janice "Jan" Corneil; his son, Todd Corneil; and his brother, Gene Corneil.

Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at Stevenson Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 5, 2026, at St. John's Lutheran Church, with burial to follow.

Clarence's legacy lives on in the countless students he mentored, the communities he served, the stories he shared, and the family he loved so deeply. He will be remembered for his generous heart, sharp sense of humor, adventurous spirit, and the lasting impact he made on everyone fortunate enough to know him.