Rodney Valeur Cornell

Rodney “Rod” Valuer Cornell, 82, of Duluth, Minnesota, died on August 27, 2026.

Rod was born October 8, 1943, in South Dakota to Arne Zetlitz Cornell and Florence Margaret (Ostrander) Cornell. Rod graduated from Duluth East High School in 1961 and from the University of MN-Duluth in 1965 with a degree in business. He worked for over 40 years in the insurance industry.

Rod’s life was defined by a deep respect and passion for nature. He was an avid outdoorsman and even served as a wilderness survival guide in his youth. He spent countless hours hunting, fishing, canoeing, winter camping, downhill skiing, and boating on Lake Superior. He routinely took his boat to places like Isle Royal and the Apostle Islands. Infinitely confident in all things outdoors, Rod was an expert navigator in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. He claimed to have made maps “no one else knows about” and even developed a unique paddling style “no one else could master.” Rod looked forward to his annual fishing trip at Sawbill Lake with his son, Jay, and many friends.

Rod is preceded in death by his parents, Arne and Florence Cornell, sister, Bette Lee (David) Albenberg and sister, Susan (George) LeCornu. He is survived by son, Jay (Stacie) Cornell of Belle Isle, Florida, and 2 daughters, Denise (Michael) Oscarson of Maplewood, MN, and Jo (Dana) Walker of Arden Hills, MN. As well as, 5 grandchildren, Sydnie, Colton, Caden, Chloe, and Charlotte, many nieces and nephews, and stepdaughter, Dawn (Mike) Norlander and stepson, Scott Norlander. Finally, Rod leaves behind his beloved partner, Bernice “Bernie” Hayes and Doberman pincer pal, “Red.” Rod and Bernie shared a mutual love for flowers and their gardens and watching the many birds and diverse wildlife in the area. We are exceedingly grateful for the love and care Bernie provider over their many years together. Rod will be sadly missed by his family and loved ones, and a celebration of his life will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) in Rod’s honor on the BWCA website.