On Tuesday, October 28, 2025, BigIron will host the Frank Kornelsen Estate Auction, featuring an impressive lineup of farm equipment, construction equipment, trucks, and trailers. This auction is more than the sale of machinery — it’s a reflection of the life and legacy of a man who dedicated himself to his family, his faith, and his community.
About Frank Kornelsen
Frank D. Kornelsen was born in 1951 in Mexico, the seventh of ten children, and grew up on a dairy farm. From those early years, he developed a passion for agriculture and building that shaped the rest of his life. In 1973, he married Roseline, the love of his life, and four years later they moved to Oklahoma. Together, they built a strong family and deep roots in the Prague area.
Frank’s life was defined by hard work and service. He spent nearly three decades as a deacon at the Boley Mennonite Church and worked across industries — custom haying, ranching, concrete, and eventually steel construction. In 1996, he founded Circle K Steel Buildings, creating jobs and opportunities for his community. His work ethic, integrity, and determination influenced everyone around him, especially his five children.
Frank passed away peacefully in May 2025 after a courageous four-year battle with cancer. His family remembers him not only as a successful businessman, but as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and man of strong faith.
A Family Committed to His Vision
Frank believed in the value of hard work and personal responsibility. He purposely set his estate to be sold at auction, ensuring fairness and opportunity. His children, each of whom now own or manage their own businesses, will continue his legacy of independence and perseverance. As Frank intended, the estate auction reflects not only his belief in fairness but also his pride in raising children who stand on their own accomplishments.
Auction Highlights
The October 28 sale offers a wide range of well-maintained equipment ready for new owners, including:
- John Deere 6130M Tractor with 620R Loader – low hours, versatile, and field-ready.
- John Deere 160G LC Excavator – powerful machine with just over 1,000 hours.
- Cat 299D3 Compact Track Loader – lightly used with only 50 hours.
- John Deere 460M Baler – dependable hay equipment for efficient baling.
- 2015 Ford F-350 Pickup – low-mileage truck, ideal for farm or business use.
With tractors, excavators, dozers, balers, trailers, and more, this auction provides an opportunity to invest in top-quality equipment.
Carrying On the Kornelsen Legacy
The Kornelsen family is proud to honor Frank’s memory by sharing his lifetime of work with others through this auction. His wife, Roseline, remembers him as a good man who lived his faith daily and never gave up in the face of challenges. His influence is seen in the success and strength of his children, and in the businesses that continue to provide for their community.
This auction is not only a chance to purchase quality equipment — it’s an opportunity to be part of a legacy built on hard work, fairness, and faith.
Auction Date: Tuesday, October 28, 2025
Online Bidding: Available through www.bigIron.com
Whether you’re in the market for farm equipment, construction machinery, or trucks and trailers, don’t miss the chance to bid in this special sale. Join us in honoring Frank Kornelsen’s life and legacy while investing in tools that will build the future of your own operation.
Sources
- “Steep Section 232 Tariffs Hit Construction Equipment, Parts” — Equipment World: 50% duty rate on derivative steel/aluminum affecting cranes, bulldozers, etc. Equipment World
- “More buyers may turn to used construction equipment as a result of the tariff hike…” MY Equipment
