Cleo A. Thornton of Menomonie and formerly of Durand went home to be with the Lord on February 9, 2025, at the age of 91 surrounded by those that loved her.

Cleo was blessed with four children. We are all thankful that we had her as our Mom and the life lessons that she taught us and the love that she gave us.

Cleo loved her 30+ years at Caddie Woodlawn Elementary School in Durand as a secretary and made lifelong friends from the people she worked with. Mom loved the kids that came into the office and loved giving Grandma Hugs to those that needed it. She loved spending time with her kids and grandkids and great grandchildren and attending their events.

Cleo is survived by her children, Tom (Betty), Dianne (Gary), Nancy (Randy), and Terry (Peggy). She is also survived by her grandchildren, Dave, Bryan (Jody), Mike (Cassie), Chris (Heather), Dan (Chelsie) and great grandkids, Nolan, Myles, Elliot, Eleanor, Sebastian, Riley and one on the way. She is also survived by her brother Sherman and many nieces and nephews.

She was reunited with her parents, a brother Lloyd and her granddaughter Kayla.

The family would like to thank the many wonderful caregivers at Comforts of Home Memory Care and Mayo Hospice.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Condolences to the family may be made at www.rhielfuneralhome.com

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Menomonie is serving the family.

Condolences

1. Willy and Dennis Traun March 2, 2025, at 3:39pm

   Cleo was wonderful and very helpful to work with. Our sympathy to all of you!

2. Jane Weber February 28, 2025, at 8:58am

   I remember going to ceramic classes with Cleo and Nancy; many good laughs and fun! Our kids still talk about their times with Cleo at Caddie and how she always made them feel special with treats. She was on "special" angel. Thoughts, prayers and hugs to the family.

3. Jennifer February 26, 2025, at 4:43pm

   Cleo, my angel! I will never forget the hugs and the smile that lit up a room. Your devotion to your family is an inspiration. Joking ans singing with you was a highlight of my day and you always brought a smile to my face. I will miss you dearly! My heart has an imprint from you that I will always hold dear. Caring for you, by far has been a blessing. CNA, Jennifer Prochnow

4. Patti Blount February 25, 2025, at 2:46pm

   I'm sorry to hear about the passing of Cleo. Sympathy to the family during this difficult time.

5. Judy & Patrick Schaefer February 22, 2025, at 12:34pm

   We are sorry for your loss. Sending prayers and hugs.

6. Kathy Dahl February 22, 2025, at 9:44am

   I have so many memories of spending time with your Mom when I worked with her at Caddie. She was so helpful to me and very kind to the children. I know she loved working there.

7. Amanda Glaus February 22, 2025, at 8:22am

   Sorry for your loss. As soon as I saw Cleo's picture, I recognized her from my younger years. I have pleasant memories of Cleo. May God give you peace and comfort during this difficult time. Thoughts and prayers are with you.

8. Sharon J Bauer February 21, 2025, at 9:10pm

   I want to send my condolences to the Cleo Thornton family. Cleo was a great secretary at Caddie Woodlawn and I had the privilege of working with her and knowing her friendship. She was a great gal and we had some good times together. She raised a good family. She will be missed by many!

9. LuAnn Hayden February 21, 2025, at 4:59pm

   Sympathies to Cleo's family. Many memories of her at Caddie. Lots of fun and laughs at her shenanigans over the years. Rest in peace Cleo.

10. bobbi sedlmayr February 21, 2025, at 4:29pm

    I met Cleo at Caddie. She was such a kind and warm lady to greet kids and us adults.
    May your memories of her help you thru the coming days.
    Sending my sympathy,
    Bobbi Sedlmayr

11. Richard Janice Bates February 21, 2025, at 4:08pm

    Sending sympathy to Cleo's family. Happy memories of her when I worked at Caddie.

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