Cleo Hennen

Heaven's gates were opened to welcome Cleo Mae Hennen, who went home to be with her Heavenly Father on September 3...God's perfect timing, just before another "winter from hell" (her words nearly every year) had a chance to descend upon Fargo. She passed at home, surrounded by her beloved sons and enough ceramic angels to start a second Vatican. She fought to the end with determination and grace. Her departure was hard-won, with the reward of eternity with Jesus.

Born on April 30, 1942, in Browns Valley, MN, to parents Patrick and Dorothy (Haanen) Bangle, Cleo later married Walter "Wally" Orrie Hennen, her partner in life for 65 years. Together, they built a home filled with love, raised their family in Wheaton, MN, and weathered life's seasons side by side….with humor, resilience, and devotion.

After her children were grown, Cleo returned to school to earn her GED and nursing license, a milestone she pursued with fierce resolve. Her years as a nurse brought her deep pride and fulfillment. She treasured the friendships she formed with coworkers and held close the memories of those she cared for. Her compassion, humor, and no-nonsense advice made her unforgettable to patients and colleagues alike.

For the past nine years, Cleo and Wally lived in Fargo, ND, sharing a home with their son Jeffrey and his wife Dina; a household filled with laughter, love, and loyal canine companions.

Cleo endured a long illness and a life marked by physical pain, but she met it all with courage, resilience, and a stubborn streak that could get her in trouble at Walmart. She was a woman of deep faith, fierce love, and practical generosity. She loved Jesus, roses (especially pink), thrift stores, and the occasional casino jaunt with her devoted circle of friends—who stood by her through every season with loyalty, laughter, and companionship.

Her talents were many: sewing, cooking, woodworking, painting and crafting lovingly stitched creations that made their way into the hands of family and those in need. She read cheap paperback novels with gusto, collected bric-a-brac with abandon, and gave advice that was as unfiltered as it was unforgettable…whether you asked for it or not.

Cleo was preceded in death by her father Patrick Bangle, mother Doris Bangle, brother Donny Bangle, and beloved grandson Ian Hennen.

She is survived by her devoted husband Wally; her sons Steven (Jackie) of Lake Havasu, AZ; Jeffrey (Dina) of Fargo, ND; and Patrick of Minneapolis, MN; grandchildren Stevie, Tanner, and Connor; great-grandchildren Kylian, Declan, and Jaxton; sister-in-law Renee (Larry) Hill of Nevis, MN; and sister-in-law Gail Bangle of Rockford, MN.

Her family was blessed beyond measure to have her, and they know Heaven just got a little louder, a little pinker, and a lot more honest.

A graveside service for Cleo will be held Saturday, September 13, at 3:00 p.m. at Wildwood Cemetery in Wheaton.  Officiant will be Father John Paul Knopik.  Special music will be provided by Pastor Vern Baardson.  Fellowship will follow at the Country Corner Café in Wheaton.

Donations in Cleo's memory may be made to HIA Hospice of Fargo.

"She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue."

Proverbs 31:25