Cleo I. Torkel

Cleo Imogene Torkel, a cherished matriarch and beacon of gentle kindness, was welcomed into the arms of her Lord and Savior on February 3, 2026, at the age of 97. Born on June 29, 1928 in the warm community of Chester Illinois, Cleo was a woman of unwavering faith and boundless love whose light shone brightly on all who knew her.

Cleo was the proud daughter of Benjamin and Edna Mallady and grew up alongside her siblings Janie, Ruth, Letha, Homer, and Harold. She was a graduate of Chester High School where she was known for her academic dedication and her sweet demeanor. Cleo's early years in Chester laid a strong foundation for a life filled with love, service, and devotion to her family and her faith.

After completing her education Cleo married the love of her life Walter Torkel and together they embarked on a journey of companionship and mutual respect that lasted until Walter's passing in 2010. Their union was blessed with three sons: James, William, and Dale Torkel. Cleo's role as a mother was one she cherished deeply and she instilled in her children the values of compassion, integrity, and the importance of family.

Cleo's professional life included her time at Zayre Department Store and as a dedicated secretary at the Village of Justice. Her work ethic and commitment to service were evident in every task she undertook. Yet it was her involvement in the Seventh Day Adventist Church of Downer's Grove that truly captured her heart. Cleo was active in several roles within the church where her Christian faith was a guiding light and a source of comfort and inspiration to her and many others.

Outside of her professional and church life Cleo had a passion for crocheting, reading, and gardening. Her hands were rarely idle as she created beautiful crochet pieces for her loved ones and tended to her garden with the same care and attention she gave to her relationships. Her love for reading kept her mind sharp and her spirit nourished, while her involvement in church-related activities was a testament to her unwavering commitment to her faith.

Cleo's grandchildren Jaclyn Shallow, Keri Nenoff, Carly Torkel, Jason Torkel, and Holly Golembiewski will fondly remember their grandmother as a source of unconditional love and wisdom. She was a guiding star in their lives offering gentle words of encouragement and support at every turn. Cleo's great grandchildren are Andrew and Lucas Nenoff, Lyric, Jack and Ryan Shallow and Jacek Torkel.

The words loving, kind, and gentle are but a glimpse into the heart of Cleo Imogene Torkel. She lived her life as a testament to these virtues, touching the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her gentle spirit and loving nature were the hallmarks of her existence, and they will continue to resonate in the memories of her beloved family and friends.

As we bid farewell to Cleo, we celebrate the life she lived and the countless ways she blessed those around her. Cleo's spirit remains undiminished in the hearts of those she leaves behind. Cleo's journey on earth has ended but her story of love, faith, and kindness will continue to be told for generations to come.

Visitation, Tuesday, February 10, 2026, 4:00PM to 8:00PM at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice, Illinois.

Funeral, Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 10:00AM Service and Time of Remembrance to be held at the funeral home.

Interment, Bethania Cemetery, Justice, Illinois.