Cornell Joseph Donohue passed away on October 31, 2026, due to injuries sustained in an ATV accident.

Cornell was born April 28, 1947, in McVille, ND to Walter and Lydia (Liska) Donohue. The third youngest of 11 children, Cornell grew up on the family farm south of Tolna where he learned the love of the land and developed his strong work ethic. He attended Tolna Public School and graduated in 1965. Upon his graduation, he attended Valley City State College to pursue a degree in Education. He received his diploma in May 1969 and began teaching High School Business classes and coaching JH boys’ basketball in Flaxville, MT in January 1970.

Cornell married the love of his life, Cheryl Vrem, on December 28, 1970, and made their home in Flaxville where he continued to teach and coach. They welcomed their first child, Cory, in 1972. In the Spring of 1974, Cornell decided to follow his dream of farming and moved his family home to Tolna. They settled on the old Gjestvang farm south of Tolna where they welcomed two more children, Charla, in 1976 and Chad in 1981.

Cornell served as Clerk on the Forde Township Board for several years and served on the St. Joseph Parish Council of Tolna for a time.

Cornell loved spending time with his family and friends. He always had time to visit and loved a good story. He was easy to laugh and loved to hear or tell a good joke. He found great joy in his grandchildren and made sure to attend as many activities of theirs as he could. He could be found more often than not quietly cheering them on from the sidelines whether it be a music concert, basketball, volleyball or football. Cornell didn’t enjoy the cold weather that came along with cheering on his grandsons in football, but it wasn’t anything a good pair of coveralls couldn’t fix. He was immensely proud of his family and there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for them. He will always be known and remembered as our greatest supporter and hero. He will be forever loved and deeply missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Lydia Donohue. In laws, Orris and Elva Louise Vrem. Siblings, Delores, Clayton, Mary Alice and Adlai. Brother-in-law, Stanley Vrem.

Cornell is survived by his wife of 55 years, Cheryl; Children Cory (Korrey) of Tolna, ND; Charla of Glenfield, ND and Chad (Lynelle) of Binford, ND. Six grandchildren: Dylan, Taylor (Jacob), Ty, Mikayla (Nick), Wyatt and Hailey and one great grandson Grayson.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at the Tolna Cemetery, Tolna, ND, with lunch to follow at American Lutheran Church, Tolna.