Cornelius T. Horneman, age 87, of Bradenton, Florida, went to meet his Lord and Saviour on Friday, September 11, 2026. 

Cornelius was the husband of Theresa Horneman for 65 years. He was a devoted and loving father to Cynthia Botma, Susan Horneman, Robert (Kelly) Horneman, and Tamara (Daniel) Hoogewerf. He was a proud and cherished Opa of Heather McPherson, Jessica (Mike) Ray, Nicholas (Chelsea) Fionda, Briana Horneman, Rachel Fionda, the late Gabrielle Horneman, Christopher Botma, Katie Horneman, Steven Botma, Tyler Horneman, Devin Horneman, and Matthew Horneman. Great-Opa of Mallory Ida, Samuel Cornelius, and Annette Elaine Fionda. Brother of the late John Horneman, Gerard (Joanne) Horneman, Anthony Horneman, and the late Debora Horneman Rovekamp. Brother-in-law of the late Bram (Jose) Vreugdenhil, the late Jacob (late Corrrie) Vreugdenhil, the late Johan (late Nancy) Vreugdenhil, Janney (late Jake) Timmerman, the late Cornelis (Sara) Vreugdenhil, the late Hendrick (Addie) Vreugdenhil, Pieter (Lesley) Vreugdenhil, and Arie (Corrie) Vreugdenhil. Kind uncle to many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Tieman and Anna (Bouman) Horneman. 

Cornelius was born in Grijpskerk, Netherlands in 1939. He grew up in occupied Netherlands and was six years old when World War II ended. He immigrated to Quebec, Canada in 1951 and settled in Ontario, Canada. He started work in the fields at an early age, moving on to making brick at Thames Valley Brick & Tile, then became a certified driver to deliver goods. He was a skilled carpenter. He also served in the Canadian Militia. In 1961 he married the love of his life Theresa in Chatham, Ontario and then immigrated to the United States of America in 1962 and settled in the Chicagoland area, first in Roseland then moving to Lansing, Illinois. Cornelius worked as a floor sander and later became a truck driver for Wondaal Trucking, Scot Lad Foods, Inc., and then Roadway Express, from which he retired. He was a member of Teamster Union Locals 142, 705 and 786. After retirement, he and his wife moved to Bradenton, Florida. 

Cornelius was passionate about the U.S.A. and became an American citizen in 1993. He called himself a patriot, enjoyed reading books about American history, and loved to collect eagles and anything to do with the American flag. He has collected over 99 types of American flags, and they are displayed in their home. Cornelius was a skilled gardener, maintaining an abundant garden for his family. The backyard was more vegetable garden than grass. The family enjoyed many types of vegetables and fruits in the summers. Cornelius loved animals and raised many types at the Lansing home including chickens, roosters, pheasants, rabbits, dogs, and cats. He was also a hunter in the early years, later moving to fishing which became his favorite hobby. He was known to purchase fishing rods any chance he got. 

Cornelius and Theresa have been members of the Christian Reformed Church their whole lives and are members of the Bradenton Christian Reformed Church in Bradenton, Florida. He loved coffee time after church and always helped other members by serving them their coffee and cookies first. 

Cornelius was always an energetic man who had an infectious laugh. He was available to anyone who needed a helping hand and was a jack of all trades. The world lost a caring man, and he will be greatly missed. 

A visitation to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. A Service of Celebration of Life will begin at approximately 4:15 p.m., let by Pastor Aaron Klein. The location will be Bethel Christian Reformed Church, 3500 Glenwood Lansing Rd, Lansing, IL 60438. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.