Vernon John Cornelius, 93, of Sheboygan, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, September 19, 2018, at St. Nicholas Hospital, with his family at his side.
Vernon was born on October 8, 1924, in Loda, IL to John and Claudina (Ronna) Cornelius. Vern received a Diploma of Honor from the State of Illinois, Iroquois County. He proudly served his country in the United States Army as an infantryman during WWII. On September 18, 1954, Vern married his best friend, Priscilla Golonka, in Seymour, WI. Vern was employed at Kohler Company for 37 years in the Enamel Division until his retirement in 1990.
An active member of the Sheboygan Evangelical Free Church, Vern served as a Deacon, Elder, 2’s and 3’s Sunday School helper, and for many years, an AWANA volunteer listener. He was a member of the men’s Wednesday morning Bible study, and he loved to organize lunch with the guys following the study.
His children, grandchildren, family members and friends remember Vern’s gentle spirit, patience, sense of humor, and his willingness to serve others whenever he could. Spending time with his family was one of his greatest joys. He especially cherished time spent being with his grandchildren. Vern was a diehard Bears and Cubs fan and was thrilled when the Cubs finally won the World Series in 2016.
Vernon is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Priscilla LaVerne Cornelius of Sheboygan; daughter, Mary Jo (Jay) Lorier of Carver, MN; two sons, Steve (Sue) Cornelius of Sheboygan, and John (Deborah) Cornelius of Eden Prairie, MN; eight grandchildren, John (Veronica) Cornelius, James Cornelius, Caitlin (Fiancé, Brandon Rosenow) Lorier, Julie (Tyler) Van Fossen, Matthew (Meghan) Lorier, Joseph Cornelius, Andrew Cornelius, and Sarah Cornelius; three great grandchildren: and one sister-in-law, Janice Cornelius.
Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, John & Claudina Cornelius; two brothers, John Cornelius, and Wayne Cornelius; and two brothers-in-law, Charles (Dee) Golonka, Dan (Barb) Golonka.
A memorial service to celebrate Vernon's life will be held on Tuesday, October 2, 2018, at the Sheboygan Evangelical Free Church with Rev. Jon MacDonald and Rev. Dr. Gary Hylander officiating. An inurnment will take place at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Kohler. Relatives and friends may greet the family at the Sheboygan Evangelical Free Church in Sheboygan on Tuesday, October 2, 2018 from 11:00 am until the time of service at 12:30 pm.
A memorial fund is being established in his name at the Sheboygan Evangelical Free Church for the AWANA ministry and the New Building Fund.
For online condolences and additional information please visit
www.wenigfh.com
.
The Wenig Funeral Home of Sheboygan Falls (920-467-3431) is serving the Cornelius family with arrangements.
