Benjamin R. Cornelius, 79, Oneida, passed away peacefully Thursday, July 21, 2022. He was born May 24, 1943, to the late Anderson W. and Lillian (Wheelock) Cornelius. Ben graduated from Freedom High School, and then went on to earn a degree from Fox Valley Tech in small engine repair. On November 16, 1963, he married Geraldine Johnson, and he has been a loving husband since that day 58 years ago. Ben then went and earned certification in Water Treatment. He was employed as Supervisor of the Denmark Department for many years. After retirement Ben went on to work for the Oneida Nation in the maintenance department. Ben enjoyed riding his Spyder, hunting, archery, and riding lawn mower on the Bush Hog with Gram. He was a member of Oneida United Methodist Church, and Oneida Hymn Singers. He and Geraldine fostered thirty-one children and adopted three. It was time with his wife, children, and grandchildren that he enjoyed most, especially attending their sporting events. Ben is survived by his wife Geraldine, his children; Richie (Karen) Cornelius, Patti (Matt) Denny, Annette Herrera, Zatara (Rob) Hale and Angel Cornelius. His grandchildren; Larissa, Aaron, Jay, Kadin, Stephanie, Jeff, Jamison, Mariea, DJ, Derick, Desmond, Danny, Nova, Teegan, and Leven. Twenty-nine great grandchildren, his siblings; Frank (Nancy) Cornelius, Leonard (Yvonne) Cornelius, Clarence (Sandy) Cornelius, Eleanor Bailey, Josie (Tom) Daebler, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his siblings; Ella Mae (Mike) Meehan, Delores (Zack) Skenandore, Harrison (Diane) Cornelius, Lincoln Cornelius, and infant siblings Melvin and Lillian Pauline. Friends may call from 4:00PM – 7:00PM Tuesday, July 26th at Ryan Funeral Home 305 N. Tenth Street, De Pere. Oneida Hymn Singers will sing at 6:30PM. Visitation will continue Wednesday, at Oneida United Methodist from 9:00AM – 11:00AM. Funeral Service will take place at 11:00AM with Pastor Jane Sommers officiating. Special thanks to the Doctors and Nurses at St. Mary's and St. Vincent Hospitals. Oneida Police Department, County Rescue, and Barbie and Eleanor.