January 17, 1958 - May 16, 2023
Victor A. Kornis, age 65, of Maple Grove, MN passed away suddenly on May 16, 2023.
Vic was born on January 17, 1958 to Steve and Valentina Kornis in Milwaukee, WI.
After graduation from Messmer High School in 1975, he went on to earn a B.S. in Accounting, Finance and Economics from Marquette University in 1979 and a law degree from Marquette Law School in 1982.
Vic worked in the tax department of Arthur Anderson for three years after receiving his law degree. He went on to practice real estate law at Mawicke & Goisman, S.C., for the next 38 years, ascending to a senior partner.
In 1978, he met Kathy (nee, Retzlaff) at Marquette University and they married in 1980. Vic and Kathy went on to have two sons, Matthew and Brian.
Vic was preceded in death by his parents, Steve & Valentina Kornis and his brother, Bill Kornis.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Kathy; his son, Matthew, his wife Elena and their two children, William and Henry; his son, Brian, his wife Amy and their two children, Elinor and Violet; his sister, Olga Perrault; nephew, Alex (Darcy) Perrault and their children, Logan, Ember and Sam; nephew, Scott (Taz Parnell) Kornis and their children, Aaliyah and Kashis; and extended family and friends.
Vic was a person who freely gave of himself to family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues; a person who loved and accepted people for exactly who they are. Anyone who knew Vic knew he was happiest when spending time with his loved ones, as evidenced by his huge smile in every family photo. When his sons, Matthew and Brian were young, Vic would wake extremely early to ensure he could be home in time to actively engage in family life, whether it be playing around the house, going on adventures, coaching youth softball, or attending bowling or wrestling matches. His love and devotion for his wife Kathy was equally obvious, a love that was strong through all phases of life. As time passed, Vic welcomed his two daughters-in-law Amy and Elena and embraced them as the daughters he never had. Vic was perhaps most passionate about spending time with his four grandchildren, whom he showered with love. Vic was in his element playing with his grandchildren, happily following them in pursuit of any activity they desired. Whether proudly wearing a homemade necklace, catching frogs, turtles or other critters, going for boat or kayak rides, hunting for rocks or shells, or playing at the beach, any observer could see a man who was a kid at heart, exuding pride, happiness, and joy.
Outside of family, Vic was passionate about nature and the great outdoors. He enjoyed hiking, taking in early morning sunrises, swimming and snorkeling, and vacationing to many national parks. He was an avid fisherman, easily recognizable in his trusty yellow kayak, who ascended to legend among other anglers (well known on Lake-Link.com) on Big Muskego, Afterglow, and Weaver Lakes. He always practiced catch-and-release, as for Vic the connection with the natural world was the true value of his hobby.
There is nothing Vic gave more thought, energy, attention, and love to than being a husband, father, father-in-law, and grandfather. He was an honest and open-minded man, and a role model for his entire family. His devotion to his family was beyond compare. His loss will be deeply and eternally felt by all who love him.
A Celebration of Life Party will be held on June 10th starting at 9:30 AM at the Embassy Suites located at 1200 S Moorland Rd, Brookfield, WI 53005. Vic abhorred formal attire (he took great pleasure in ascending high enough in his firm to wear polo shirts instead of suits), and thus casual attire is encouraged (please, NO SUITS!)
Vic enjoyed the outdoors, wildlife, and national parks, so in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the National Wildlife Federation or National Parks Conservation Association in Vic's name if you so choose.
Celebration of Life
Saturday, June 10, 2023
9:30 AM
Embassy Suites
1200 S Moorland Rd.
Brookfield, WI 53005
Kathy: for you and your entire extended family, I offer my sincere condolences; the world has lost a true bright lite.
I had the privilege of becoming friends with Vic our freshman year in high school and that friendship extended through our years together at Marquette and while I know I haven’t seen either of you much past then, had I run into him, I know I would have been greeted with a huge smile, a hug and our conversation would have gone on as if we had just seen each other yesterday. Everyone was Vic’s friend.
While difficult, take comfort in knowing he’s with Bill cutting-up as they always were when they were together. Take comfort in knowing you have an angel watching over you, the kids, grandkids and everyone in the extended family. Take comfort in knowing that he’ll be waiting for you, always, with that big smile.
My thoughts are with you,
Love Suzanne
What a beautiful obituary! Vic was truly a wonderful family man. My sincere condolences to all the Kornis family.
Kathy, am so very sorry to hear about Vic! Had to read notice twice from my daughter Patty, to really grasp what had happened. My condolences to you and the boys. A wonderful man has left us, but heaven gained a wonderful man.
Love to you all,
Such a lovely man, he will be missed. We loved talking to Vic on his walks/rides/paddles around the lake. So sorry for your loss to the entire family!
So sorry. Far too young. Long life to all the family and those that knew Vic.
From Vic’s Aussie family, Frank and Steve Liebeskind and our family
(Our Dad, Joseph was Steve Kornis’ brother older, while Steve and Charlie went to the USA, Joseph married Hilda in Shanghai and they came to Australia with her family).
I am so sorry to hear of your great loss! My sympathy and condolences to the whole family. He was the nicest man, and I always enjoyed our conversations as we passed by on walks or turned directions to join walks! He was so kind, genuine, and full of wisdom. He will be missed by many!!
Our condolences and love to Vic’s family and loved ones. We got to know Vic after moving onto Weaver lake. He always had a friendly hello and always good for a chat. He was a fixture on the lake paddling around in his kayak or paddling Kathy around the lake in their canoe. He will be missed. Weaver lake won’t be the same without his daily presence.
Uncle Vic, an amazing man! The only person to talk me into canoeing :) We love and miss him greatly…
Kathy and family, we were so shocked and saddened to hear of Vic’s passing. Jim has many fond memories of Bill and Vic from their old neighborhood. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Peace and love, Jim and Lynne
To Kathy and all of your family, we are so sorry for your loss. We have enjoyed talking to Vic over the years at Afterglow and in watching him with his family and grandchildren. Afterglow won’t feel the same without him.
We hope that many fond memories will bring you peace and comfort.
I am sorry for your loss Kathy. Life will not be the same without Vic in it!! Please give the boys and their families my condolences. I have a sweet memory of Vic when we were younger and living in Mukwonago. He loved trains at that time and there was a railroad track not too far from the house . I would take him up there about the time it would come by. I told him to wave at the engineer as the train went by . He was so excited and happy that the engineer waved back! So we tried to walk up there whenever I could get away!!!
I have had the pleasure of working with Vic over the last 30+ years in various real estate transactions here in Milwaukee. He was the best attorney I have ever dealt with and referred him to many of my clients over the years. He never “over lawyered” a transaction and his attention to detail was amazing. I am still in shock over his passing. My condolences to your family.