Cleo Imogene Torkel was welcomed into the arms of her Lord and Savior on Feb. 3, 2026. She was 97.
Born June 29, 1928, in Chester, Illinois, Cleo was the daughter of Benjamin and Edna Mallady. She grew up alongside her siblings Janie, Ruth, Letha, Homer and Harold, and graduated from Chester High School, where she was known for her dedication to her studies and her gentle spirit.
She married Walter Torkel, and together they built a life rooted in faith, love and mutual respect until his passing in 2010. Their marriage was blessed with three sons, James, William and Dale Torkel. Cleo treasured her role as a mother and instilled in her children the values of compassion, integrity and devotion to family.
Cleo worked at Zayre Department Store and later served as a secretary for the Village of Justice, where she was known for her strong work ethic and commitment to service. Her faith was central to her life, and she was an active member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, serving in various roles and offering encouragement and support to many.
In her free time, Cleo enjoyed crocheting, reading and gardening. She lovingly created handmade pieces for her family and tended her garden with care. Her grandchildren — Jaclyn Shallow, Keri Nenoff, Carly Torkel, Jason Torkel and Holly Golembiewski — remember her as a source of steady love and wisdom. She was also blessed with great-grandchildren Andrew and Lucas Nenoff; Lyric, Jack and Ryan Shallow; and Jacek Torkel.
Cleo will be remembered for her loving, kind and gentle nature. Her life was a reflection of her faith, and her legacy lives on in the family she cherished and the many lives she touched.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Ave., Justice, Illinois.
Funeral services will take place Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home.
Interment will follow at Bethania Cemetery in Justice, Illinois.