Cleo Noraine Zempel

Cleo Noraine Zempel, 94, was welcomed into Heaven on September 11, 2026. She passed peacefully with her daughters by her side.

Cleo was born in Strum, WI to Arup and Caroline Nelson. Cleo married the love of her life, Harold, in 1951. They had 4 daughters, Tamara Jones (TX), Lori Venditti (TN), Shari Engel (MN) and Rebecca Stringer (GA). Harold and Cleo opened their home to over 60 foster children. Many still stay in touch and are considered part of the family.

Cleo worked many years as a church secretary at Faith Lutheran Church in Chippewa Falls, WI. After moving to Rochester, MN, she volunteered many hours with Mayo Clinic helping on site or sewing surgical caps and stuffed animals for pediatric patients. Cleo was an accomplished seamstress, knitter and crafter.

Her faith in God was very important to her. She lived her life with kindness and compassion. She had a smile for everyone, even those who cared for her at the end. Cleo’s generosity continued as she donated her body to Mayo Clinic for research. Cleo was preceded in death by her husband Harold, her daughter Tamara, and grandson Matthew.

While we grieve for Cleo, there is joy as she is now made whole in the presence of the Almighty.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 am on September 19, at Bethel Lutheran Church, Rochester, MN with visitation from 10:00-11:00.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Zempel family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.