Juliann F. Cornelissen

Juliann Fay (Soltis) Cornelissen, 82 years young of Tony, WI passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving children, Thursday, February 12, 2026.

She was born October 26, 1943 in Ladysmith, WI to Rudolph and Mary Soltis. She grew up in Glen Flora, WI on the family farm. She graduated Ingram-Glen Flora High School Class of 1961. Julie married the love of her life, Vernon E. Cornelissen on October 19, 1963 and they began building a family in Minneapolis, MN. Vern preceded her in death on June 15, 2015.

Julie embarked on a lifelong career in caregiving and received her RN Degree graduating from the Abott Hospital School of Nursing in Minneapolis, MN in 1966. She spent time in obstetrics, pediatrics, public health, home health, administration and hospice care programs. She even spent time working for the state of Alaska overseeing a program for special needs children. The bulk of Julie's beloved career, 26 years, was spent with Rusk County Public Health Agency in WI. Julie advocated for women, children, elderly, the underprivileged, the disadvantaged and those homebound. Meeting the needs of others fulfilled her.

Julie also treasured time with family and friends. She adored being a mom, sister, grandmother and grandma the great. She thoroughly enjoyed living on the Flambeau with access to its charm. She enjoyed swimming, fishing, boating, entertaining visitors, picnics on her pontoon and relaxing by the shoreline reading on her dock. She loved long walks taking in the wildlife and catching up with family and friends accompanying her.

Julie was a great seamstress and an avid painter. She loved to dance and traveling with Vern. They discovered much of the U.S. by camper and spent winters in Florida, then Texas. They experienced many adventures together sharing time with family and lifelong friends.

Julie was a faithful servant of St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Parish in Tony and was blessed to volunteer in her community.

She is survived by her precious family, son Rick (Angi) Cornelissen of North Carolina and her daughter Michelle (Matt) Kraft of Florida. She adored her seven grandchildren: Joshua (Deborah), Aaron, Kaity, Zachary (Allie), Jacob, Juliann Grace and Isabella. Her five great-grandchildren: Caleb, Micah, Cecilia, Ezra and Sophia. Her brothers: Phil (Ila) Soltis of Shell Lake and Danny (Sandy) Soltis of Anoka, her sisters: Barb (Stan) of Anoka, Linda (Lane) Soltis-Schroeder of Eau Claire and Betty (Richard) Veness of Two Harbors, MN as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband Vern; parents Rudy & Mary and her brother Greg Soltis.

Julie is deeply missed by those she cared for, loved on and touched with her radiant smile.

The family will honor her life Thursday, February 19, 2026 at St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church with Deacon Craig Voldberg and Fr. Ed Anderson officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM with funeral mass following at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow in the church cemetery in Tony with a luncheon in the fellowship hall to follow.

Nash-Jackan Funeral Home is assisting the family.