Joanne B. Cornelius

Joanne B. Cornelius, 75, of German Valley, died Saturday January 14, 2012 at UW- Hospital, Madison, Wisconsin, following a courageous battle with cancer. Joanne was born on December 28, 1936, in Stephenson County, the daughter of Henry and Alice (Johnson) Sager. On September 12, 1958, Joanne married Merle D. Cornelius in Freeport. Merle died on March 12, 2005. Joanne attended Freeport High School. Mrs. Cornelius worked at W.T. Rawleigh and Micro Switch before retiring. Joanne also farmed with her husband in the German Valley area. She was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. She was a member of the Miriam Society and Altar Guild. Joanne was very loving wife, mother and a very special Grandmother. Family and friends will cherish all the visits over the years spent with Joanne. She was blessed with a wonderful sense of humor and a sunny smile and being a true friend to so many. Survivors include; son; Steven (Julie) Cornelius of Clinton, Wisconsin, daughter; Valerie (Denny) Borgmann of Leaf River, sister; Juanita (Merlin) Watson of Freeport. Also surviving are 5 grandchildren; Jill (Stephen) Underhill, David Cornelius, Stephanie Borgmann, Anthony Borgmann and Bethany (Winton Bocker) Borgmann. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, infant daughter; Judith Lynne, three brothers; Darrell, David and Donald 'Zeke' Sager, and three nephews; Jerry Watson, Jim Cornelius and Doug Cornelius. Funeral Services will be 1:30 P.M. Thursday January 19, 2012 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church with Rev. Stephen Precht officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday January 18, 2012 from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at Burke Tubbs Funeral Home in Freeport. There will also be a visitation Thursday from 12:30 P.M. until the time of service at Our Redeemer. Burial will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. A memorial has been established in Joanne'™s memory. Please sign the guestbook at www.burketubbs.com.