Gerard “Jerry” H. Cornelissen

September 8, 1933 - January 10, 2026

Private family services are being held

Gerard (Jerry) H. Cornelissen Jr, 92, passed away on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at University Place in West Lafayette.

He was born September 8, 1933, in Detroit, MI, to the late Gerard and Nellie (Matthee) Cornelissen Sr. His parents raised him in the Catholic Faith, instilling a faith in God, appreciation for his many blessings, and a strong code of Christian ethics.

Jerry graduated from Fraser High School in Michigan. While not going to college himself, he made sure education was a priority for all of his children and grandchildren.

He was a veteran of the Army and served during post-war peace in Germany.

His marriage in 1957 was to Joyce Oehmke and was deeply devoted to her. They were virtually inseparable through 68 years of marriage.

Jerry worked as an auto and truck designer. He was recruited as a senior in high school to be a draftsman by Wettlauffer Engineering. He might have falsified his age to work at just 17. Jerry eventually became a designer and ran projects supporting the Big 3 Detroit car producers. Jerry was known for detail and interior design and provided the exterior details for a series of Cadilacs from 1967 into the early 70’s. In 1972 he left the fast paced life of Detroit and moved the family to Fort Wayne to design International/Navistar trucks until retiring.

For Jerry fishing was a passion. Gerard Sr introduced Jerry fishing for smallmouth bass at Elk Lake in Michigan. This love of fishing has now been passd to 5 generations. Jerry and Joyce saw all 3 children, along with 3 grandchiildren graduate from Purdue. He and his family have tailgated at Purdue Football games since 1979. The tailgate crew was an ever increasing group of family and friends from Ft. Wayne growing from 8 to almost 40 people. He seldom missed a home tailgate party at Slayter for over 45 years.

Leaving Fort Wayne after 49 years to live closer to family in West Lafayette was a big change. He and Joyce were welcomed and well served by the caring staff at University Place. Jerry socialized daily with their “fireside friends” and enjoyed the many music programs. One bonus of living in West Lafayette was the chance to have lunch at Arnie’s Loading Dock where he could see the orange International Transtar truck in the bar area. It was his first International Truck project. Jerry was happy to explain the finer details of the truck’s design.

Surviving is his wife, Joyce E. Cornelissen of West Lafayette, three children, Madonna (Edward Andrewlavage) Cornelissen of Corning, NY, John (Gail) Cornelissen of Franklin, TN, and James (Kristin) Cornelissen of West Lafayette, IN, a brother, William (Roberta) Cornelissen of Shelby, MI, a sister, Mary (Sam) Chile of Elk Rapids, MI. and a sister in-law Roberta Cornelissen of The Villages, FL. Also surviving are six grandchildren, Ariel (Spencer), Ross (Megan), Nick, Sean, Eric and Shannon as well as two great grandchildren, James Peter and Nora June.

Gerard was preceded in death by a brother, Herman Cornelissen.

A private family service will be held at Soller-Baker Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to: OASIS Community https://www.oasisforlife.org

You may leave condolences and memories at www.soller-baker.com

Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc.

The Johnston/Pijanowski Family

Ron & Erilda Coleman

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Gerard (Jerry) H. Cornelissen Jr, 92, passed away on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at University Place in West Lafayette. He was born September 8, 1933, in Detroit, MI, to the late Gerard and Nellie (Matthee) Cornelissen Sr. His parents raised him in the Catholic Faith, instilling a faith in God, appreciation for his many blessings,Continue Reading

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I would like to send my sympathies to Joyce and the family. I worked with Joyce for many years at St. Joseph Hospital. I have been to your parents' home more than once so I was around your father also - at social events, etc. I hadn't been in contact for several Years. In fact, my daughter continued to send them a Christmas card every year but got it back one year. I didn't know they had moved to West Lafayette. We knew all about each other's families. Of course, Joyce was extremely proud of her children and grandchildren. Again, please let Joyce know that I am sorry. It goes without saying that your family was blessed with this man as a husband, your father and grandfather for so many years. Sharon Loshe

With deepest sympathy.

Dear Joyce & Jim & family. Sending my sympathy at Jerry’s passing. Jerry & Joyce were so dear including my mother as part of the “fireside friends” at University Place. Jerry always made sure my mother was part of the conversation & loved talking Purdue sports. Praying great memories comfort your hearts Cindy Meyer MD ( daughter of Betty Ortman)

Dearest Jim & Kristin & Family, So very sorry to hear of the passing of your Father. Was glad to read that your folks were able to move closer to be with you & your family. That is so important that time was shared. Know he will certainly be missed with all his fishing skills & bet he had many fish tales to tell & share with family. Sending our thoughts and prayers for strength & comfort at this time. God Bless - Ron & “E”rilda - Foley, AL

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.