Kimberley Lynn (Gorbitz) Cornelius
January 25th, 1979 - January 14th, 2025
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Kimberley's Obituary
Kimberley “Kim” Lynn Cornelius, 45, of Buchanan, Michigan passed away suddenly on January 14, 2025, while bravely battling pancreatic cancer.
Kim was born on January 25, 1979, to Vicki (Onderdonk) and Phil Gorbitz in Berrien Township, Michigan. Buchanan was always considered home to Kim. She attended Buchanan High School.
On July 23, 2005, Kim married the love of her life, Michael (Mike) Cornelius. Together their dreams came true with the births of each of their three children, Madison (19), Morgan (16) and Max (14). More than anything she treasured spending time and supporting her children in all of their endeavors. Kim personified all that being a “mom” entails. She loved her children fiercely and would go to great lengths to ensure their happiness. It was extremely important to her that they always do the right thing. Kim could be called overprotective, but she was also self-less, trustworthy, caring and compassionate. Kim loved to be “in the know” and time well spent was “dishing” with the kids. She also had a habit of listening to music while cleaning the house. An old adage reminds us to “dance like nobody’s watching” and Kim did just that! Lots of laughs were had at her expense, as Mike and the kids couldn’t help watching her hysterical moves! More than anything, she valued making memories and did so through experiences. Some of the family’s fondest experiences were a Caribbean cruise, their trip to Mexico when Kim had one too many “virgin” strawberry daiquiris and got lost in the jungle and most recently when she attended Madison’s first ever concert at Grand Valley State University followed by a trip home for fall Break.
Kim’s famous experiences were not limited to her own children, she bestowed them upon others as well, which earned her the title of “favorite” aunt among her many nieces and nephews. Whether gifting a trip to Medieval Times, a Kenny Chesney concert, or the PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Tour, the kids always looked forward to time spent with their Aunt Kim. Kim truly had a knack for planning! And, a lot of planning she did for her annual “Ladies Trip” with her aunts and cousins. The trip began in 2005 and took place each year the weekend after Thanksgiving. The ladies fondly recall their yearly excursions and time spent together.
Kim was seen as “mom” to many. She enriched numerous lives as a band and football “mom.” She never missed a chance to volunteer and could be seen on sidelines of sporting events and music contests alike. It should come as no surprise that Kim extended an “open door” policy at the family home as well. As such, the Cornelius home is known as a popular hang out to teens and adults alike.
Kim could never sit still or pass up a bargain! She was a DG shopaholic, and went so far as to convert the basement of the family home into a mini DG. When time allowed she also enjoyed canning and preserving food.
Kim was preceded in death by her mother, Vicki Onderdonk, and brother, Brandon Gorbitz; as well as her maternal grandparents, Dessie and Howard Onderdonk and paternal grandfather, Joe Gorbitz. She is survived by her loving husband Michael Cornelius, daughters Madison Cornelius and Morgan Cornelius, son Max Cornelius and father Phil Gorbitz as well as her paternal grandmother, Thelma Gorbitz.
Kim will desperately be missed by all of those she’s left behind. Our hearts are broken by this unexpected loss.
Visitors will be received on January 23 from 3-5 pm at Portage Road General Baptist Church, 1765 Portage Road, Niles, MI 49120. A memorial service will follow at 5 pm. A private family graveside service will be held on January 24 in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Buchanan. Please, In lieu of flowers, the family strongly asks you consider a memorial donation made to the Buchanan Music Boosters or Buchanan Football Boosters in Kim’s memory. Donations can be made via Venmo https://venmo.com/KimCorneliusMemorialFund or @KimCorneliusMemorialFund. Arrangements have been entrusted to Swem Chapel, Buchanan. Those wishing to send a condolence online may do so at www.swemchapel.com.
Kim was born on January 25, 1979, to Vicki (Onderdonk) and Phil Gorbitz in Berrien Township, Michigan. Buchanan was always considered home to Kim. She attended Buchanan High School.
On July 23, 2005, Kim married the love of her life, Michael (Mike) Cornelius. Together their dreams came true with the births of each of their three children, Madison (19), Morgan (16) and Max (14). More than anything she treasured spending time and supporting her children in all of their endeavors. Kim personified all that being a “mom” entails. She loved her children fiercely and would go to great lengths to ensure their happiness. It was extremely important to her that they always do the right thing. Kim could be called overprotective, but she was also self-less, trustworthy, caring and compassionate. Kim loved to be “in the know” and time well spent was “dishing” with the kids. She also had a habit of listening to music while cleaning the house. An old adage reminds us to “dance like nobody’s watching” and Kim did just that! Lots of laughs were had at her expense, as Mike and the kids couldn’t help watching her hysterical moves! More than anything, she valued making memories and did so through experiences. Some of the family’s fondest experiences were a Caribbean cruise, their trip to Mexico when Kim had one too many “virgin” strawberry daiquiris and got lost in the jungle and most recently when she attended Madison’s first ever concert at Grand Valley State University followed by a trip home for fall Break.
Kim’s famous experiences were not limited to her own children, she bestowed them upon others as well, which earned her the title of “favorite” aunt among her many nieces and nephews. Whether gifting a trip to Medieval Times, a Kenny Chesney concert, or the PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Tour, the kids always looked forward to time spent with their Aunt Kim. Kim truly had a knack for planning! And, a lot of planning she did for her annual “Ladies Trip” with her aunts and cousins. The trip began in 2005 and took place each year the weekend after Thanksgiving. The ladies fondly recall their yearly excursions and time spent together.
Kim was seen as “mom” to many. She enriched numerous lives as a band and football “mom.” She never missed a chance to volunteer and could be seen on sidelines of sporting events and music contests alike. It should come as no surprise that Kim extended an “open door” policy at the family home as well. As such, the Cornelius home is known as a popular hang out to teens and adults alike.
Kim could never sit still or pass up a bargain! She was a DG shopaholic, and went so far as to convert the basement of the family home into a mini DG. When time allowed she also enjoyed canning and preserving food.
Kim was preceded in death by her mother, Vicki Onderdonk, and brother, Brandon Gorbitz; as well as her maternal grandparents, Dessie and Howard Onderdonk and paternal grandfather, Joe Gorbitz. She is survived by her loving husband Michael Cornelius, daughters Madison Cornelius and Morgan Cornelius, son Max Cornelius and father Phil Gorbitz as well as her paternal grandmother, Thelma Gorbitz.
Kim will desperately be missed by all of those she’s left behind. Our hearts are broken by this unexpected loss.
Visitors will be received on January 23 from 3-5 pm at Portage Road General Baptist Church, 1765 Portage Road, Niles, MI 49120. A memorial service will follow at 5 pm. A private family graveside service will be held on January 24 in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Buchanan. Please, In lieu of flowers, the family strongly asks you consider a memorial donation made to the Buchanan Music Boosters or Buchanan Football Boosters in Kim’s memory. Donations can be made via Venmo https://venmo.com/KimCorneliusMemorialFund or @KimCorneliusMemorialFund. Arrangements have been entrusted to Swem Chapel, Buchanan. Those wishing to send a condolence online may do so at www.swemchapel.com.
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