Neal E. Cornelius, 69, Oneida, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, September 20, 2026. He was born February 21, 1957, to the late Gerald “Everett” and Carol (Wheelock) Cornelius.

Neal graduated from Freedom High School in 1976.

A proud member of the Oneida Hymn Singers, hymn singing was Neal’s passion. He dedicated himself to assisting not only the singers, but the Oneida community. Neal especially took pride as being a lifelong member of the Oneida United Methodist Church. He would see that the church was unlocked on Sunday mornings, make the coffee, and hand out bulletins and cookies. Neal played Santa every year for his family and the Oneida Elders. To sum up his life, you need to mention his big heart and love of family. Even though he never had children, Neal thought of his nieces and nephews as his own.

He is survived by his siblings; Margaret (Dennis) Danforth, Mercie (Bruce) Danforth, Vincent Cornelius, Jerry (Vicky) Cornelius, Larry (JoAnn) Cornelius, and Tony (Kris) Cornelius. Neal is further survived by nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, who affectionally knew him as “Uncle Enal”, and his Godchildren Irene Danforth and Raymond Corn.

Friends may call at Ryan Funeral Home 305 N Tenth Street, De Pere from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM Wednesday, September 23, 2026. Oneida Hymn Singers will sing at 6:30 PM. Visitation will continue Thursday morning at Oneida United Methodist Church from 9:00 AM until service at 11:00 AM with Pastor Laura Riemer officiating. Oneida Hymn Singers will sing at 10:30 AM. Burial will take place at Oneida Methodist Cemetery.

Rather then plants and flowers, memorials are asked to be given to the Oneida Hymn Singers in Neal’s memory.

Special thanks to the concerned citizens that assisted Neal on Saturday, and to St Vincent I.C.U. for all your care and concern shown to Neal and his family.