Carol Lou Cornelisen

1940 - 2024

Carol Lou Cornelisen’s journey on the path of souls began on July 5, 2024, in Hart, Michigan. She began her journey in life on May 20, 1940, in Appleton, Wisconsin, the daughter of Louis Stransky Oyster and Maryan (McCleland) Oyster. 

Carol grew up in Park Ridge, Illinois, eventually graduating from Maine East High School, the same school as Harrison Ford and Hillary Clinton. Her singing career started in high school as the lead in musicals. Along with her parents, she was a member of the Park Ridge Community Church and their choir. Carol led the alto section in Church, it was said that many did frequent the church for sermons, but a good number were also there to delight themselves with Carol’s voice, attending just to hear her sing. She was very proud that during her time in the church Carol was able to travel to the Holy Lands, led by Pastor Runnels.  

Carol dedicated herself tirelessly to her studies, gaining a Bachelor of Music Performance in 1962 and a bachelor’s of music education in 1963 from the University of Illinois; ending her education journey in 2001 with a Masters of Arts degree from North Eastern University of Chicago. 

Carol met the love of her life, and husband of 61 years, Bob, on a coffee date at the University. They shared a beautiful, traditional wedding at the Community Church in Park Ridge. After college Carol moved home to Park Ridge to raise her family, in that time Carol had many wonderful career adventures. Including singing in the Chicago Symphony Chorus as the Mezzo Soprano for 17 years, securing first chair for 10 of those years. During her time in the symphony Carol sang under the direction of Margaret Hillis, Martinon, Guilini, and Solti, and was selected by Margaret Hillis to sing in the role of Carmen for a Kenosha, Wisconsin orchestral concert.

Together Bob and Carol had many adventures, their most cherished adventure was raising their three children, Dana, Christopher and Erika. Once the children grew they offered Carol and Bob many new endeavors; some of the most notable being: a trip to the Northern Italy cities for prearranged concerts with their daughter, Erika, and the Chicago Youth Symphony; Durban, South Africa, where Erika played in the Durban Symphony Concert Season; Amsterdam, Holland to follow Erika’s musical career; and two trips to the South island of New Zealand to visit their son Chris and his family. 

 In 2000 Carol and Bob followed her parents, sister and brother-in-law to North Carolina, retiring to Brevard for a brief time. Carol and Bob’s next adventure brought them to the Lake Michigan coast in Pentwater, Michigan where the family home had been built in 1990.

Carol is survived by: her loving husband, Robert Cornelisen; sons, Dana and Chirstopher, and 9 grandchildren. 

Carol was preceded in death by: her parents, Louis Stransky Oyster and Maryan (McCleland) Oyster; and daughter, Erika Fran.

“We miss the beautiful smile and the golden tones of a mezzo soprano”

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Park Ridge Community Church, 100 Courtland Avenue, Park Ridge, IL 60068, in Carol’s remembrance. 

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM, August 3, 2024, in Pentwater Cemetery, 8060 N Business 31, Pentwater, MI 49449. 

If there is a poem that you would like to submit for consideration during the committal service, please contact the funeral home. 

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King Hart Chapel is in charge of arrangements. 

www.beconfh.com