Corneille (Neil) Church

Corneille (Neil) Church, born in Trempealeau, WI, and later a resident of Corte Madera, CA, for 58 years, passed away peacefully, August 5, 2024.

Corneille grew up on the family farm with his parents, Royce and Thelma (née Johnson) Church. He served in WWII, then returned to Wisconsin and married his high school sweetheart, Deloris Elaine Horn, daughter of Oskar and Bertha (née Ramsey) Horn. Corneille gained a degree in electrical engineering from Purdue University before his service in the U.S. Army which led to the family experiencing life in Germany and Japan, as well as locations as distant from each other as Florida and Hawaii. Twenty years later, he retired with the rank of Major before embarking on his second career of teaching. Corneille finished that chapter of his life at Stuart Hall in San Francisco.

Throughout his life, Corneille embraced other cultures and other languages. He was a caring and involved family man, and one with an adventuresome spirit. This led to him become an accomplished sailor and navigator, a lifelong skier, hiker and a small aircraft pilot.

Corneille will be greatly missed by his brother, Jerry (Warrens, WI); his children: Roger, Beth and Barbara Jenny; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild; as well as many friends and family.

He was predeceased by Deloris, his wife of 53 years.

Those who have known him at some stage in his long life describe him as a true gentleman, loyal and dependable, with a wealth of knowledge and so many good stories.

Please visit www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries.