Cleo Fay Minke

Cleo Fay Minke passed away peacefully on May 31, 2025, at St. Mary’s / Essentia Health Hospital in Duluth, Minnesota. She was 89 years old.

Cleo was born in Toledo, Ohio, to Ueckert and Fontella (Uhley) Sperber. She is survived by her brother, Kenneth Sperber (Shirley); her son, Herbert Minke III (Terri); and her daughter, Barbara Fang Babcock (Jim). Her grandchildren are Adam Fang, Ethan Fang, Elaine Fang, and Dr. Kate Minke, along with many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Herbert Minke Jr.; her parents, Ueckert and Fontella Sperber; and her sisters, Wilma Sperber and Catherine Standley.

A dedicated educator, Cleo earned her master’s degree in education from the University of Toledo. She spent many years teaching in the Anthony Wayne School System in Whitehouse, Ohio, where she positively impacted the lives of countless students for over 25 years.

Cleo found joy in sewing and knitting. She created many quilts and handmade projects for her family and crocheted newborn hats for donation to both St. Luke’s Birthing Center and St. Mary’s NICU.

She was also active as a Mother Advisor for the Beatrice U. Owens Assembly of Rainbow Girls in Toledo, and together with her husband, she was involved in the Merickle Farley Trout Club in Swanton, Ohio. She was a member of the Eastern Stars for over 60 years.

In accordance with Cleo’s wishes, a private family service will be held at a future date. She will be interred at Riverside Cemetery in Maumee, Ohio.

Cleo will be deeply missed.