Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Robert Cornelisen Obituary
Bob (nicknamed Corny) grew up in Riverside, Illinois, and attended the University of Illinois, where he joined Sigma Chi and met his future wife, Carol. He graduated with a finance degree and served in the Naval Air Reserve.
While living in Park Ridge, his career began at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, where he rose to Vice President of General Services. He later worked as a banking executive at three different commercial banks in Des Plaines, Illinois and served as Chairman of the Des Plaines Economic Development Commission. He also served on the Maine Township High School Board of Education, founded the Park Ridge Cultural Arts Council, and co-founded the Brickton Art Center.
An avid fly fisherman, Bob and Carol retired to Pisgah Forest, North Carolina, where he co-founded the French Broad Fly Fishers Club and helped establish a delayed harvest trout fishery. He and Carol spent their final years in their beloved home in Pentwater, Michigan, where he played a key role in relocating the Pentwater Museum.
Bob is survived by: his sons, Dana (Sandra) Cornelisen of San Antonio, Texas, and Christopher (Amy) Cornelisen of Mapua, New Zealand; as well as nine grandchildren.
Bob was preceded in death by: his daughter, Erika (Eno) Cornelisen.
Bob was a happy soul who never met a stranger. A resourceful businessman and strong survivor, he enjoyed mentoring others and finding practical solutions. He will be missed sitting at the head of the table at the family lake house offering his sage advice to his children and grandchildren.
Graveside services are being planned by family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Casting for Recovery (www.castingforrecovery.org), supporting fly fishing retreats for breast cancer survivors.
Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, is in charge of arrangements. www.beaconfh.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Cornelisen
Sponsored by Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service - King-Hart Chapel.
4 Entries
Donna Jacques
April 7, 2025
Richard Grove and Donna Wolff Jacques both send our sympathy to the family. We both remember Corney from RB high school as being a great friend!
DONALD NEAL
April 5, 2025
Bob (Corny) and I were good friends since grade school. We played all sports together, mostly unorganized pickup games including baseball, basketball and football. Corny was always the quarterback in those games. We also played together on the Riverside-Brookfield High School varsity basketball team. He was quite a survivor, having beat (I think) lymphoma around age 30. He will be missed by all. Condolences to the family.
Kevin Feenstra
March 31, 2025
Bob spent many days in my boat while fly fishing for trout and steelhead. He had a warm personality and a contagious laugh. He also had a heart of gold and I will miss him.
Judith DiMichele
March 22, 2025
Bob & I shared our voice condition of Spasmodic Dysphonia. Over trips to Chicago for treatment, we bonded and had lots of laughs. I loved his attitude and happy personality. He will be missed.
RIP Corny❤
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results
Make a Donation
in Robert Cornelisen's name
Memorial Events
for Robert Cornelisen
Funeral services provided by:
Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service - King-Hart Chapel2370 N. 72nd Avenue, Hart, MI 49420
People and places connected with Robert
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Robert's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Robert Cornelisen's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
