John W. Cornell, Sr., passed away, September 6, 2017, at his home. John was born August 26, 1942, in La Porte, Indiana, the son of William and Mae (Sawyer) Cornell. He graduated from Princeton High School. He worked as a lead cutter for Oshkosh B'gosh. Due to his dedication and friendly nature he was voted to be the President of the Union. On October 23, 1967, he joined the Oshkosh Police Department. He was deeply involved with the Oshkosh Police Explorers program, letting the area youth learn what it takes to be a police officer. His accomplishments did not go unnoticed; he received two commendations while serving Oshkosh citizens, on November 5, 1973 and October 27, 1975. On February 24, 1978, he married Rose Dumke. John enjoyed traveling and camping, cruises, casinos, cards, hunting and fishing. He enjoyed country music, his favorite was The Auctioneer. He was a gifted musician since his early teens, singing and playing his guitar for family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Rose; children, John "Boy" (Jodie) Cornell, Tracy (Jim) Baumann, Mark (Amy) Bargenquast, Brenda (Bill) Kope; grandchildren, Christina (Alberto)Cornell-Pineda, Cody Evers, Adam Baumann, Brandon Cornell, Tyler Baumann, Avian Searvogel, Kyler Searvogel, Cooper Bargenquast; great grandchildren, Katelyn Cornell, Amy Cornell, Jazmin Pineda, Arianna Pineda, Ella Rose Baumann; great great grandchildren, Kayden, Havannah, and Jaxson; sisters, Sandra Sulak, Marcia Turner, Nancy (Bob) Marks, Joann Hudy, many loving nieces and nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mae (Glen) Bargenquast-Cornell and William Cornell; daughter, Anne Marie Cornell; son, Scott Cornell; grandson, Ryan Cornell; sister, Phylis Rozak; and brothers, Bob, Bill and Jack Cornell.
The family would like to that Dr. Gremminger and team for going above and beyond to help out where other doctors didn't want to and giving the family more time with their beloved John. And a special thanks to Dani and assistants from Heartland hospice for making the last few days for John as comfortable as humanly possible. Per John's wishes, there will be no formal service.