Iva Cleo Tengroth, 93, passed away on August 19, 2025. She was born in Piney Flats, Tennessee to the late Henry and Iva Hyder. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert. Loving mother of Robbin and David. Cherished grandmother of Mary Alizabeth. She was preceded in death by 5 sisters and 2 brothers. Dearest aunt of Pat (Tom) McGonigle and many other nieces and nephews. Fond great and great great aunt to many.
Cleo was always involved in activities at Lincoln School – PTA, Mothers Club, room mother and Camp Fire Girls. Lots of fun times playing bridge with her sister-in-law Lee and the other Lincoln mothers.
After her children went to college she began a long career at Prudential Life Insurance Company in Oak Brook.
Cleo was a member of Epiphany Lutheran Church since 1956. She was very involved in church activities particularly working with PADS and at Christmas time making sure people in need had gifts under their tree.
Her love of sports was well known. Her gambling name in the football pool – which she won many times – was Steel Magnolia. She always picked the Bears to win which worked in her favor sometimes when we of little faith did not pick them or cost her on more than one occasion. Her husband Bob said she would have picked the Bears even if she knew they lost. She lived to see the Cubs win a World Series, the Bears win a Super Bowl and a few Blackhawks Stanley Cup wins. Hossa! Not much made her happier than watching a sporting event.
In 2016 she was honored by the City of Elmhurst as Outstanding Senior Citizen for her tireless work on behalf of the Elmhurst Yorkfield Food Pantry.
Her goal in life was to be a kind and good person. Mission accomplished.
The family would like to thank the staff at The Indigo of Elmhurst for their kindness and care over the past 3 and a half years.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Elmhurst Yorkfield Food Pantry, 1083 South York Street, Elmhurst, Il 60126
Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at Epiphany Lutheran Church, 314 W. Vallette St., Elmhurst.
Visitation from 9:30am until the time of the Funeral Service at 10am. Interment to follow at Mt. Emblem cemetery in Elmhurst.
Arrangements in care of Elmhurst Community Funeral Home – THE AHLGRIM CHAPEL. For information, (630) 834-3515 or www.ElmhurstFH.com.