Lenora Cornelius

On Saturday, November 7, 2015, the year of our Lord, I started a new journey to my final home. My Beautiful Savior finally had my room ready and came to get me at the ripe old age of 93, and I joined all those that were lucky enough to get their rooms before me. I love the Lord with all my heart. I was born December 7, 1921 at Worms, NE, to hard working parents, Alfred & Frieda (Dankert) Nietfeld. I was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Faith. Raised on the family farm near Worms, NE, I attended Trinity Lutheran School at Worms. Later I worked at the Donald House (also known as “Nonna’s Palazzo Restaurant”) in Grand Island, while attending high school, then graduated from Grand Island Senior High. After High School I met the love of my life, Donald W. Cornelius, and we were united in marriage in 1940. We had three children during our years together, Larry Cornelius and Linda (Doug) Adler and Ron Cornelius. Seven grandchildren, Jeff, Brad (Angie) and Brian (Linda) Cornelius, Justin (Val) Pfenning, Josh Pfenning and Jason Cornelius and Tara (Trevor) Anderson; and two step-grandchildren, Kris (Bubba) Brammer and Jill (Caleb) McCaffery. Also, seven great-grandchildren, Jacob, Kallie, Karley, Brady and Brennen Cornelius, Hudson and Lennon Pfenning and two step great-grandchildren, Madisyn and Nathan McCaffery, that I loved very much. I pray that God keeps and protects them all of their lives. All these survive me plus my sister, Marilyn (Harold) Johnson; my brother, Elmer (Betty) Nietfeld and my sister-in-law, Betty (Dwaine) Life. I sang in the Church Choir, taught Sunday School, served on the Alter Guild and was a member of Ruth Society and Ladies Aid. I also attended the Sunday Morning Bible Class for most of my adult life at Trinity Lutheran Church in Grand Island and mid-week bible studies. Missions are most important to me and Gary Theis was my guide in that regard. I helped with “Grandparent” duties at Trinity Lutheran School and loved helping the little ones learn. Spelling was one of my pet peeves as my children will concur. Following graduation from High School, I worked at the Cornhusker Army Ammunition Plant and later on for Albee Printing for the Albee brothers. I also was employed with Payne Larsen Furniture and Hall County Livestock Improvement Corp. in the money room during the live races. In 1952, I began my career in banking at Commercial National Bank and Trust, full and part-time for 19 years prior to joining the new Five Points Bank in 1971 when Bill Marshall, Sr. started that bank. I began by working as Supervisor of Tellers and overseeing the Bookkeeping Department and New Accounts. In 1974, I was named Assistant Cashier of Five Points Bank and in 1980 I was promoted to Cashier and was in charge of Student Loans until 1983 when I was promoted to Vice President of Five Points Bank along with my Cashier status. I continued to work until 1990 when I was 69 years old, going to a part-time status and still in charge of Student Loans. I retired in 1993 at the age of 71. I thoroughly enjoyed all of my years in banking and made many wonderful friends along the way. My community involvements included being a past member of Financial Woman International (joining in 1978) of which I served as Secretary-Treasurer for two years and I was also Membership Chairman for the Central Nebraska Group for one year. I joined Altrusa in 1982 and served on the Board two times. I was very active with the Grand Island Concert Association, now known as Concert Association, serving as Treasurer for seven years and sold tickets for the group for more years than I can remember. I was also a member and Past President (1980) of the Woman’s Division of the Chamber of Commerce and Goodwill Industries, serving on the Board for six years. I received the Senior Achievement Certificate from Operation Able in recognition of my exemplary achievements throughout my career at Five Points Bank, where I held many positions, the last of which was Vice-President. I was an Honored Member of “Who’s Who in U.S. Executives” in 1990. I was also honored by AARP for my many years working after “normal” people took retirement! I also loved a good game of Bridge. Thanks to all of my lady friends that loved to play Bridge as much as I did! What memories we made! I loved to bake! People told me that I made the most wonderful Apple and Cherry Pie and I always volunteered to take a coffee cake, cupcakes or cookies whenever needed. I really missed doing that as I got older and could no longer drive or remember my recipes. My children say I was the “queen of substitution” when it came to a recipe. It made things come out different sometimes, but always welcome. I lived through the Great Depression and was known to “save” a lot of things. That life was a real challenge. I took the vacation of a lifetime when I went on a trip to Hawaii to watch the Huskers play in the Hula Bowl. No one had more fun than I did!! Jennifer Painter was my room mate and she helped me figure it all out. Thanks, Jenny. What a gal! I would like to thank the wonderful staff at Bickford Cottage for all of their thoughtful and excellent care. Loving me when I really was a pain and tending to all of my needs, plus putting make-up and perfume on me. Also, to the staff at Good Samaritan of Wood River. You helped make my last years here on earth comfortable and as pleasant as possible. I hope that all who knew me will remember my smile and kind ways. God was very good to me. I loved the Lord with all my heart and He helped me along the way when times were tough and He seemed so far away. I am finally enjoying my heavenly reward, helping all the little cherubs keep their halos bright and shiny and their hands & faces clean!! In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to Trinity Lutheran Church and earmark them for Missions. There is so much work to be done to spread the gospel. Lenora was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Ruben Nietfeld; and a sister and brother-in-law, Alfreida and Orville Meyer. I am sure they are doing a good job of catching up on what has happened and enjoying a cup of coffee in the process. There will be no visitation. All Faiths Funeral Home is serving the family. Services will be at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday at Trinity Lutheran Church, with a luncheon to follow. There will be coffee! To God Be All the Glory!

Lenora Cornelius

December 7, 1921 - November 7, 2015

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Lenora Cornelius

December 7, 1921 - November 7, 2015

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support