Cover photo for Cynthia S. Cornell-Trobeck's Obituary
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Cynthia

Cynthia S. Cornell-Trobeck

Cynthia (Cyndi) Sue Cornell-Trobeck passed away at the age of 63 on the morning of Monday, March 14, 2022, after a brief and abrupt battle with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease. Cyndi was an incredible wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. She will be greatly missed but her impact on the people who knew her will be felt for years to come.

Cyndi was born in Kalamazoo on October 5, 1958, to James and Sue Cornell. She spent her childhood years in Otsego, Michigan alongside her two younger siblings, Catherine, and Gregory. She graduated from Otsego High School in 1977 and from Western Michigan University in 1982. She went on to get her Master of Business from Davenport University in 2015. She met her husband and “sweet Baboo,” Gary at a singles group through their church in Springfield, Illinois and got married in 1984. Before having children of her own, when she got married, Cyndi became a bonus-mom to Tracie and Eric and enjoyed taking them on vacations and spending time as a family. This was a role that she always enjoyed and took pride in. Eventually, Cyndi and Gary had three sons of their own (Derek, Anthony and Ethan) and raised them in Otsego alongside many of her family and friends.

Cyndi had an incredible impact on her family but also on her community. Cyndi was the first woman mayor of Otsego, Michigan when she was elected in 2016 and remained in office until her death. Cyndi was involved in numerous local institutions. She taught finance classes at Greater-Kalamazoo Real Estate Association, was on the DDA/Main Street Board, taught Sunday School at Otsego United Methodist Church, and served on the Board of the Otsego Rotary Club and Christian Neighbors. Most of her career involved banking and finance as she was employed by 5/3 Bank as a manager for 19 years. Most recently, she was a real-estate agent with Cornell & Associates.

She loved spending time in nature, and frequently explored the beautiful beaches and lakes in Michigan with her husband. She loved reading, crafting, shopping, and going wine tasting with her sister and mother. Of all these accolades and accomplishments, Cyndi most treasured spending time with her family, husband, children, and grand babies. As she would often say, “her grandbabies are the sprinkles on top of life.” Her love of God, her love for her family, and her love and joy for life itself have left behind an incredible legacy.

Cyndi is survived by her husband Gary, sons Derek (Amber) Trobeck of Decatur, Indiana, Anthony (Emma) Trobeck of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Ethan (Reva) Trobeck of Otsego, Michigan, bonus-kids Tracie Wills of Lithia Springs, Georgia and Eric Trobeck of Litchfield, Illinois, grandchildren Harper, Annie, Rory, Savannah, Brenden, Emery and Dawson, parents Jim and Sue Cornell, brother Greg (Marcia) Cornell, sister Cathy (Gerry) Boik, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends may visit with Cyndi’s family from 4-8 PM, Friday, March 18, 2022, at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, March 19, 2022 at the Otsego High School Auditorium with Pastor Joe Shaler officiating.

Cremation will follow.

Burial of ashes will take place at Mountain Home Cemetery at a later time.

In lieu of flowers contributions in memory of Cyndi may be made to

Christian Neighbors

or

Otsego United Methodist Church

.

Messages of condolence may be posted at

www.WinkelFuneralHome.com

.

Offer Condolence for the family of Cynthia S. Cornell-Trobeck

Condolence Messages

Bryon & Kandy Campbell

March 15, 2022 at 4:09 pm

Gary / Derek, Ethan & Anthony,

Our heart are breaking for you at this time. We know how much family meant to all of you. Your wife / mother, was a wonderful person and you have a lot to be thankful for along with the wisdom she has given you over your lives. Her faith in God will be one of the things that can comfort you as the days go by. We are praying for you and your family at this difficult time as you remember all of the things that your wife / mother has meant to, you I am sure it will bring a smile to your face and help heal your heart.

Sincerely,

Bryon & Kandy

Reply

Sandy Seiler

March 15, 2022 at 5:07 pm

To the Cornell and Trobeck families and extended families,

My deepest condolences in the loss of Cindy.

Reply

Patti & Ralph Rybicki

March 15, 2022 at 5:29 pm

We have no words to say how sorry we are for your loss. Cindy was so loved & respected at 5/3. May your faith bring you strength during this difficult time.

Reply

Judy Root

March 15, 2022 at 6:00 pm

Cyndi’s Family

List any adjective to describe this amazing woman. We’ll never run out and each will be accurate.

Without consciously trying, she said all the right things at the right time with the right physical accompaniment.

She functioned in harmony with the forces surrounding her.

Cyndi had the rare intangible quality the French call “savoir faire” for which there is no true English translation.

I already miss her like “CRAZY”.

Judy Root

Reply

Tom & Jo Ann Curie

March 15, 2022 at 6:26 pm

Prayers and thoughts are with all of you. You have many precious memories of a truly wonderful person. Hold onto your faith and keep looking up.

Reply

Mrs. Jim Hewitt (Patti)

March 15, 2022 at 6:28 pm

To Cyndi’s family,,

Am so sorry for your tragic loss.

(I really like how her obituary was written, it captured Cyndi perfectly!)

Reply

Michele Pulver

March 15, 2022 at 8:44 pm

Is so sorry for your excruciating loss.

There are no words . . .

Reply

Tina Wrobleski

March 15, 2022 at 8:56 pm

A.Sue & U. Jim plus family, friends. Sorry for your loss. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers!

Reply

Dawn and Morry Edwards

March 15, 2022 at 9:28 pm

We send our deepest sympathies to Cyndi’s family and friends. She leaves behind such a legacy and our community will surely miss her presence. Her memory, and all that she gave to make the world a better place, is certainly a blessing.

We keep you in our prayers.

Reply

The Salinas Family

March 15, 2022 at 10:22 pm

Please accept our most sincere condolence’s.

Reply

Wendy Bisel

March 15, 2022 at 10:32 pm

Immerse yourself in the many wonderful memories created over the years with this beautiful lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Trobeck and Cornell families. The Bisel family

Reply

Sandra Massingill

March 15, 2022 at 10:34 pm

I doubt you’d recognize me in person, but my husband & I are members of OUM. We’ve followed your family’s events on FB and your family’s tragic medical journey with beautiful Cindi. We are friends with the Cornells through neighborhood shin-digs & the Blues Association. Obviously, we know you better than you know us.

That said, we offer our prayers and love to your loving family. Cindi deserved the devotion you provided her so beautifully!

Gary, you provided us timely and strong information, and I know I would love to hear a family member singing to me as your son did to Cindi. ❤️So impressive.

Bless Cindi as her soul reaches Heaven. I’ve never witnessed a family handling this heartbreaking situation with such Grace and Dignity.

Much love, The Massingills

Reply

Bryan Santman

March 16, 2022 at 7:15 am

I just want to say it´s not going to be the same looking out and seeing your friendly smile and wave or the nice little conversation we had. I appreciate the time we got to know you guys. We will look after Gary. Thank you.

Reply

Clarissa McDonald

March 16, 2022 at 7:50 am

I am so sorry for all of your family’s loss. Cyndi’s giving spirit and infectious laughter made an impact on me that will go on forever. Heaven gained an Angel.

Reply

Charity B Sodano

March 16, 2022 at 9:15 am

With deepest condolences to the family and friends. I had the pleasure of working with her on a real estate transaction just this last fall. She was absolutely wonderful to work with and such a kind person. She will be missed.

Reply

Buchino family

March 16, 2022 at 9:40 am

Cornell and Trobeck family, our hearts hurt for you. Cyndi touched the lives of so many of the youth at OUMC She was such a blessing. Our prayers are with the family as you go through this difficult time

Reply

Denise & Lewis Siegel

March 16, 2022 at 10:25 am

It’s just not easy when you lose someone to something so rare, so quickly and way before her time. Cyndi was an inspiration to many, a light in the community, I personally considered her a friend. She touch our entire family and I am so glad that she played a role in our kids life too. To all of you, Gary, Derek, Anthony and Ethan and the Cornell family, hold strong to your memories, listen for her voice, look for the signs that she is watching over you. She is missed, she is safe, she is whole again. The Siegel Family sends you all prayers of strength and acceptance as you go through this difficult time.

The Siegel’s – Lewis, Denise, Jake & Stephanie

Reply

Paula Sunnerville

March 16, 2022 at 11:09 am

Cyndi was more than my realtor, she became my friend. I was so impressed with her knowledge, but more importantly, her heart. It was apparent from our conversations how much she loved her family. I only knew her for a short time, but she made a lasting imprint on my heart and mind. I hear Cyndi telling us to live life to the fullest. May she rest in eternal peace with God and His angels.

Reply

Carol D Curto

March 16, 2022 at 12:36 pm

Gary and Family I am so sorry to hear about your wife’s passing away. May God ease all of your pain and sorrow. My Prayers and Sympathy to you all.

Reply

Brenda and Brian Morrison

March 16, 2022 at 2:10 pm

Cathy, Gerry and family,

Thoughts and prayers to your family in the loss of Cyndi. We did not have the pleasure of meeting her but she sounds like a wonderful and caring person that was so inspirational to so many lives she touched. Take comfort that she is in heaven watching over her loved ones. In sympathy Brenda and Brian Morrison

Reply

Kevin & Jeanne Lewis

March 16, 2022 at 9:51 pm

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. She will surely be missed by all who knew her! May she Rest In Peace!

Reply

Randy and Charlene Estes

March 17, 2022 at 9:31 am

We only met Cyndi last summer while looking at real estate, and immediately recognized what an exceptional person she was. We feel very blessed that our paths crossed. Please accept our sincerest sympathies.

Reply

Kolhoff Family

March 17, 2022 at 10:24 am

What a tragic loss. Cindi was a wonderful, loving human being. Prayers to Cindi’s family.

Reply

Dawn Vernia

March 17, 2022 at 1:42 pm

Prayers of comfort for the family. Cindy was my neighbor in Otsego when I was young. I know she will be missed.

Reply

Amy Nieuwenhuis

March 17, 2022 at 6:28 pm

Trobeck family – my prayers for peace and strength are with your whole family. Cyndi was such a great woman who was always willing to give to anyone who needed help. I’m so sorry for your loss!

Reply

Margaret Brown

March 18, 2022 at 8:49 am

Our deepest sympathies to you all. Cyndi was a true joy to know and could light up any room. I always appreciated her sense of humor and ability to connect with and engage others in conversation. Cyndi was a “go to” for me when I may need a sub for my class – and a pleasure to know outside of work. Her legacy lives on in you all – praying for comfort and support to you all. She will be missed dearly.

~Margaret Brown

Reply

Chris Anson

March 18, 2022 at 4:49 pm

I’m so sorry for your loss.

I knew Cyndi from our teen years at school, I loved her sense of humor, she was a joy to be around.

May God comfort you during this difficult time.

Reply

Deb Petrie

March 20, 2022 at 2:34 pm

I was shocked and saddened to hear of Cyndi’s passing. I met her while with Fifth Third. I always enjoyed when she’d visit Saugatuck and our paths would cross. She had my respect and admiration. I was so happy for Otsego when she was elected mayor as I knew her leadership would be great. I will miss her smile, great laugh, and genuine interest in what was happening in my life.

My thoughts and prayers are with Gary and her family . May they experience the peace that Jesus offers as they move forward. I know Cyndi knew and loved Jesus and rejoice that we will meet again.

Reply

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