Cleo J. Powers age 69 of Eau Claire died Thursday May 22, 2014 at her home in Eau Claire.
Cleo was born May 14, 1945 in Durand to Martin and Marion (Schuh) Powers. Cleo grew up in Durand, graduating from Durand High School in 1963. After high school attended U.W. Eau Claire graduated with a B.S. Degree in Library Science and received her Master’s Degree from University of Wisconsin-Madison. Cleo began her career with the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire working as a curriculum librarian. She was responsible for the Center for Reserve & Instructional Media and main circulation departments at McIntyre Library, but has served in a variety of positions over the years, including acting automation librarian, head of public services, periodicals public service librarian and acting director of the library from 1996 to 1998. Cleo retired as an associate professor in 2003 with more than 31 years of service. Cleo was active in professional organizations, chairing and serving on committees for the Wisconsin Library Association; Wisconsin Association of Academic Librarians and other local and state organizations.
After retiring, Cleo volunteered at the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library where she was the book sales chairperson for many years. She was the first recipient of the Library Board’s Distinguished Service Award (DSA). Cleo organized and coordinated the library’s book sales since 1999. She contributed countless hours and inspirational leadership to the success of dozens of events. During her tenure, profits generated by the event have increased dramatically. Cleo was an avid reader, loved going to the McPhee Center for exercise; getting together with friends for coffee and lunch. Cleo was also active in the Newman Parish at UW Eau Claire where she served on the parish council and several committees and was active in many social events.
Cleo is survived by two sisters, Catherine Powers of Durand; Ruth (Tom) Heffernan of DePere; one nephew, Mark (Melissa) Heffernan of Green Bay and great niece, Keira Heffernan also of Green Bay. She is preceded in death by her parents.
Funeral services will be 11:30 AM Wednesday May 28, 2014 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Durand with burial in the church cemetery at later date.
Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 PM Tuesday at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand and one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday.
Condolences
Julia Browne
Catherine I was so sorry to hear of Cleo's passing. She was an amazing woman and she will be missed by many book sale volunteers. It is very difficult to think that we won't see her again. I am sure you miss her terribly, and my thoughts and prayers are with you. Julia
Karen J. Shellito
Dearest Cleo, You were such an important, motivating force in my education. Without you, I would not have been successful. Through your kindness and help in the library, I was able to teach children for 35 years with great success and joy. Thank you for every minute of your loving way. The encouragement from you went into my style of education. In loving memories my friend. Karen
Steve Gosch
I remember Cleo fondly as a very helpful librarian, as a dedicated TAUWP member, and as a good friend.
Bob Lieske
I worked as a Media Specialist in the School of Nursing for many years and I will always remember how helpful Cleo was when I came over to obtain media. Her contribution to the nursing program cannot be underestimated....and her positive and bright personality made my job ( and the jobs of all who met her ) so much enhanced. Thanks Cleo.
Loreen Yager
Dear Family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. Igot to know Cleo when I lived in the colonial apartments. We went golfing several times. I also enjoyed receiving Cleo's newsy Christmas letters. I'll miss those. I will remember her as a fine gal!
Sincerely,
Loreen Yager
Bob Elliott
Dear family.
My Wife, Ann Elliott worked with Cleo for over twenty years at the IMC. I know that she and Cleo will have many things to talk about when they meet in Heaven. My prayers are with you all.
Ellen Simpson Sabelko
Dear Cathy and Ruthie,
I was saddened to read of Cleo's passing.
You girls know how far back us Simpsons and Powers go.
All three of you girls are remembered fondly by me, but Cleo especially because she was the closest to my age.
You two surviving sisters DO realize, I hope, that one can have fond memories of people before they pass!!!
That's the way it is with me and your family.
Besides the childhood years, i always enjoyed seeing Cleo at the library, when i had returned to UW-EC for teacher re-certification. More recently, we got to visit when she would occasionally come into Menards.
My sincerest condolences to the entire family.
Pat Rosenberg
As we get older we are reminded that we will not live forever. i am saddened to hear of the passing of Cleo. She gave a lot to the education community. She was a good sister and friend. And may she now rest in peace.May the Good Lord comfort you in your loss.
Theresa (Brantner) Pitts
I graduated with Cleo and have many wonderful memories of high school because of her. I missed our 50th class reunion last year. I was shocked and saddened to read of her passing in the Eau Claire paper. My deepest sympathy to her family.
Thom Rutherford
Cathy and Ruth and Family!!! Cleo and I were great pals ever since we meet in High School.
Last time I saw her was for Mary
Weissapples funeral at St Mary's. We sat togother and shared the loss of our Friend Mary. Cleo was VERY smart!!!, CARING, and always willing to share her opinion...which was most time rime right...Damn.. hated to be called wrong being a guy BUT always got a big HUGH from Friend Cleo. You could count on her support!!! Thom Rutherford
Patti Blount
I'm sorry to hear about the passing of Cleo Powers. She was a very nice lady to know. Sympathy to everyone in the family. Patti Blount - Durand Library
Jo Ingle
When I was teaching mathematics education at UWEÇ
(1979-2005) Cleo Powers was extremely helpful in organizing sessions to acquaint future mathematics teachers with the many resources available through the UWEC library. More importantly, she was a delight to work with; I will long remember her smile and "can do" personality.
Phyllis Fabiny
It was always a treat to sit alongside Cleo at the Saturday 5pm Mass at Newman. She had family stories, photos of Keira, and a smile that made you feel all's well with the world. I worked with her at the library book sales, and her enthusiasm and cheerful spirit were endearing. Such a loss!
Susan Koehler
I was saddened to hear of Cleo's passing. She was a kind, generous. & fun- to- talk- to person. Cleo bought many of my pots and I always enjoyed seeing her come into my booth. Sue
Michael G. Cunningham
When someone is that nice, they should spread that niceness around. I always resented that Cleo "rationed" that niceness too much. The world needs far more people like Cleo.
Richard Boyum
A kind and gentle hero has left us. Cleo was a lovely and loving person. She had such passion for students at the University and her professions. Her devotion to this Trinity was unsurpassed. she cared deeply about fairness and equality for all. and yet in spite of all of her serious concerns, her wit and humor were infectious...you may not be able to tell a book by its cover...but in Cleo's case they were both extraordinary
Gloria Hochstein
My sympathies to the family and friends of Cleo. I met her early on when I arrived at UWEC to teach in the English department. Cleo was so friendly and fun and interesting. We had many good conversations about books and more. She will be missed.
Connie Russell
To Cleo's family: Please know how much Cleo will be missed in many circles of our community. She was one of the faces I always looked for at Mass. And, it's almost impossible to imagine our annual AAUW book sale without her wise judgment (the ultimate "sniff test"), the hours she devoted to sorting, and, of course, her famous snack mix. She was one of those dedicated behind-the-scenes people every project depends on for success. She will be greatly missed.
Greg kittelson
Sorry about Cleo she was a nice lady liked working with her at library book sales
Renee Ponzio
My condolences to Cleo's family; she was a great person, always friendly with a kind word or a laugh. She will be missed.
Mary Hable
Cleo will be missed. I knew her on so many levels--as a student I saw her presentation on ERIC several times--she was a master at explaining how to use this research tool; as an employee at the university, I worked under her when she was the acting library director; and mostly I had the privilege of working with her when she was the book sale committee chair for the Friends of the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library; she always threatened to quit when the sale amount reached a new benchmark (but she never did--she loved it too much). Finally, I knew her at Newman Parish, where she always had time to chat after mass. I still cannot believe she is gone.
Sharon Reineke
Cleo was a dear friend for over 30 years. She was a helpful, courteous and intelligent professional as well as a warm, caring and delightful person. I'm so glad we had a nice visit less than two weeks ago. Her passing was a great shock; I feel fortunate to have known her. Much sympathy to her family.
Ann Paddock
Dear Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Cleo's death. We did not know each other well but I always admired her dedication and willingness to serve others. She has been an inspiration. Ann
Tom Wieseler
Cleo was a loyal and much appreciated fan of the old Cadillac Cowboys, and her smiling face was always a welcome sight at those gigs. Smile on Cleo!
Kate Hinnant
I am so sorry to hear of Cleo's passing. I worked with her for many years on AAUW's board, but I should call it play rather than work, because it was so enjoyable. She had a great sense of humor and I will miss her a lot.
Mary Hayden
Cleo was a valued member of AAUW-Eau Claire. She served as president and held several offices, as well as helped with the book sale and hospitality. We will miss her as a member and a friend.
Lois Postlewaite
To the family of Cleo: I have known Cleo over the years via the UW Library; the McPhee Center; and as a member of Newman Parish. She was a wonderful person and I will miss visiting with her. I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to you, her family, for your loss. Lois Postlewaite
Don Bredle
Cleo was for many years such a wonderful participant in the UW-EC Community Exercise Program at McPhee. She always had a good word and a smile, even on days when you could tell she was not feeling 100%. She taught our students a lot about life.
Mary Meiser
As UWEC faculty for 25 years, I knew Cleo in her many roles within McIntyre Library. She was, always, not only professional but warm and friendly. Her quick mind could sort out the situation, resolve it -- always with the right words, the right temperament, a smile.
Cleo was one of those people whom we liked, we admired, and we counted on.
My lasting memory of Cleo will always be her gentle wit and laugh. I shall miss not running into her in some store, where we hung over the grocery carts, shared some stories, and had a good laugh.
Debbie Christopherson
Dear Ruth, Tom, and Katherine,
Our sincere sympathy to all of you for the loss of your dear sister.
Gary and Debbie Christopherson
Brady Foust
So sorry about Cleo. She was a great colleague, friend, and neighbor.
Robin Leary
Please accept my deepest sympathies. Cleo was such a wonderful person and I enjoyed working with her.
Janet and Bob Simpson
Catherine, Ruth and family,
I can't tell you how sorry I was to hear of Cleo's passing. We had many great memories from first grade up to our graduation from high school. Birthday parties at the old farm is one of them, and the high school reunion when we decided we would get together each summer if I came back to Wis. We met next summer at Jake's and had a long gab fest. Never made it home until 9:30 that evening!!
We always parted with the promise to get together the next year and we did for 9 great years. Never could believe how fast the time flied
She led a super wonderful life and was a super happy person and friend and won't be forgotten.
Wish I could have made it up to Durand to say goodbye.
My heartfelt sympathy to you all.
