Gerald F. Cornetet

Gerald (Jerry) Fredric Cornetet, 83, of Fort Collins, CO passed away on December 17, 2023, at Pathways Care Center. He was born in Mishawaka, IN to Frederick and Phyllis Cornetet.

Jerry graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1958. Following graduation, he accepted an appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy and was a member of the class of 1962. The day after graduation, he married Velma (Val) Bearup, and it was off to pilot training in Texas. Subsequent flying assignments included aeromedical transport at Scott AFB, IL, and cargo transport out of Saigon, Vietnam in 1965-1966. The last Air Force assignment for Jerry was teaching physics back at the Academy from 1968 to 1972.

Jerry and Val then moved to Elkhart, IN, where he began a 33-year career in sales with electronics manufacturer CTS Corp. After 21 years in Elkhart where their 3 children all graduated from high school, they moved to Pickney, MI for 12 years, and finally to Fort Collins in 2005 upon Jerry's retirement.

Jerry's life-long interest and hobby was music. He started piano lessons early and played piano and organ at various churches they attended over the years. He and Val were always in church choir, and he was privileged to sing with the Air Force Academy Cadet Chorale and The Hartsmen male chorus in Indiana. Jerry was also a member of a gospel barbershop quartet, The Cornerstone Quartet which became The New Beginning Quartet and later was a member of the Larimer Chorale in Fort Collins. He was most recently a dedicated and faithful member of Christ United Methodist Church in Fort Collins.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Val Cornetet; sons, Steve (Carol) Cornetet, David (Leah) Cornetet, and daughter, Adrienne Cornetet Yates; sisters, Joan (Frank) Morrone, Nancy (Tedd) Isham; and grandchildren, Tekola Cornetet, Jacob Cornetet, Jack Cornetet, Regan Yates, Mitchell Yates, and Hudson Yates.

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, January 3rd at Christ United Methodist Church, 301 East Drake Road, Fort Collins, CO, 80525, at 11:00 AM with a luncheon to follow. This service will be viewable online at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83229997631 for those who cannot attend in person.

An inurnment service for family will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday, January 4th at the Memorial Pavilion at the Air Force Academy Cemetery and then to the graveside. 3026 Parade Loop Road, Air Force Academy, 80840. Enter through the North entrance with a valid license.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Christ United Methodist Church. Please go to this link https://cumc-fc.org/giving/donate to make a donation in Jerry's name,