Cleone Dulas

Cleone Dulas, 88, of Alden, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at Clarks Crossing of Wells Senior Living Facility.

Cleone Irene Hinkley was born to Vernon and Alice Hinkley on July 24, 1937. She grew up in Freeborn, graduated from Freeborn High School in 1955, and spent much of her adulthood there - it was a town she was proud to be associated with. In 1957, Cleone married Philip Dulas in Wells, MN. They welcomed children Jennifer and Steven in the next few years, before moving to Sacramento, CA.

While in California, Cleone operated a daycare out of her home so she could be home with her own children. They returned to Minnesota in 1970 to be closer to family. Beginning in 1978, Cleone proudly served as mayor of Freeborn for two decades. She also worked at the Freeborn County Assessor's Office until her retirement in 2000. After retiring and moving to Albert Lea, Cleone spent several years as a part-time greeter and patient transport at the Albert Lea Hospital. It was an ideal retirement job for her, allowing her to see many people each day and keeping busy on her feet. She retired from that job at the age of 80.

Cleone treasured family and friends. She worked hard to stay connected to immediate and extended family - especially nieces and nephews - as well as long-time friends. Cleone had a way of making everyone feel special and remembered. She meticulously kept records of birthdays and anniversaries, with greeting cards ready to mail for every occasion. As her parents aged, Cleone dedicated herself to caring for them and cheering them with her visits. Each of her four grandchildren has special memories of time with Grandma Cleone - excursions to Twins games, Christmas shopping trips, bike trips in Lanesboro, and Phase 10 marathons at her kitchen table.

Cleone had an eye for design. Her gardens and her home were always beautiful and well-maintained. While she moved many times throughout her adult life, Cleone took pleasure in decorating a new residence and getting her furniture arranged ‘just so’. Everywhere she lived, there were special plants to nurture. Her flower gardens at the Freeborn house were a great joy to her.

Cleone was preceded in death by sister Lois Campbell (1995), husband Phil Dulas (1999), parents Vernon Hinkley (2011) and Alice Hinkley (2012), and daughter-in-law Lisa Dulas (2023).

Cleone is survived by two children, Jennifer (Mike) Jensen and Steven Dulas; grandchildren, Katie (Steve) Schulteis, Megan Schettler, Matt (Jen) Jensen, Nick (Garet) Dulas; and great-grandchildren, Leo, Abigail, and Lizzy Schulteis, Hazel Jensen and Baby Brother due in June, and Vaughn Dulas; two brothers, Paul (Cindy) and Charles (Cathy), many beloved nieces and nephews, both Dulas and Hinkley,

The family would like to thank Clark Crossings in Wells and St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate care for Cleone over the past few months.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00AM on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at Bonnerup Funeral & Cremation Services in Albert Lea, with a visitation beginning at 10:00AM. Burial will be at Freeborn Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Freeborn Cemetery Association, C/O: Arcadian Bank, 214 5th Ave, Freeborn, MN 56032, the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N Michigan Ave. Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601, or St. Croix Hospice, 2580 Bridge Ave, Albert Lea, MN 56007.