Norman C. Cornelius

Norman C. Cornelius, 83, of Springfield, IL, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, surrounded by family. Norm was born on August 18, 1941, to Raymond and Evelyn (Anderson) Cornelius in Rockford, Illinois. Raymond later married Chris, who meant a great deal to him. Norm always wanted to be in the Navy so after high school graduation he joined. He was a proud Navy Veteran. Later he was a delivery truck driver for Schlitz and drove a mail truck for the United States Postal Service. Norm was a member of the Navy Club for 65 years; he was the Commander for Ship 1, in Rockford, and later Chaplain for Ship 32 in Springfield and also the Illinois Squadron. He held an office in the National Navy Club of the USA. He belonged to the VFW, the Elks Club, and was a Shriner and later became a Mason. He lived in Rockford for the majority of his life. On August 2, 1997, he married “his beautiful wife,” (his words) Shirley (Weiskopf). They later moved to Springfield, Illinois.

Norm loved sports! He was an avid CUBS fan. He was very excited when they won the World Series. He even named his dog, Wrigley, who would sit in his lap and watch ballgames. He was a big BEARS fan and enjoyed watching Sunday football games with his son-in-law. He loved NASCAR and went to many races during his life. He collected sports memorabilia and proudly displayed it in his basement and garage. You could always find him in his well organized garage hanging out with his kids, talking to neighbors and having a cold beer.

Norm considered his family as his biggest accomplishment, all of whom he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents; a wife, Melanie (Rumler) and a wife Doris (Jury); a son, Scott Cornelius, a son, Bob Rogers, and a granddaughter, Jessica Gardner; a sister, Joyce Hagen and two brothers, Dave and Terry. Norm is survived by his wife, Shirley; a daughter, Lori (Jim) Ferguson; two sons, Michael and Don Rogers, a daughter, Michele Smith (Ed), and three sons, Ed Weiskopf (Cindy), Dan Weiskopf, Jay Weiskopf; several grandchildren: Dan (Kristy), Blaine, Hannah, and Tessa Cornelius; Jacob and Eric Ferguson; Brittany, Elizabeth, Zachariah, and Tia Rogers; Mike, Mary and Rachel Rogers; Justin (Karren), Cassidy (Joe), and Jeremey Smith; Josh and Emily Weiskopf; Heather, Nathan, and Cole Weiskopf, Kristin Gardner; Jayden (Savannah) and Jaycilyn Weiskopf; several great-grandchildren: Anna, Leslie, Jon, Carter, Issac, Dylan, Corbin, Ethen, Hudson, Grace, Jaxson, Braedyn, Lincoln, Ben, Kottan, Abbi, Landon, Judah; three sisters, Susie Getty, Barbara Brooks, and Gail Quantie; and several nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by all.

Cremation services are being provided by Bisch & Son Funeral Home. A Graveside service will be held at 2:00pm on Friday June 13, 2025 at Camp Butler National Cemetery. The family will host a reception from 4:00pm until 8:00pm at the Navy Club of Sangamon Ship #32, 3100 Stanton Street, in Springfield on Friday June 13, following the graveside service.

Any donations can be made to the Navy Club Ship 32 (who will be sending the donations to Toys for Tots and the Honor Flight Network) or Tunnel to Towers.