In Memory
Celestino Tijerina
October 16, 1955 ~ April 9, 2025
Celestino Tijerina, 69, passed away Wednesday, April 09, 2025, at Memorial Hospital South Bend surrounded by his loving family.
Cel was born on October 16, 1955 in Tyronza, Arkansas to the late Felipe Tijerina, Sr. and San Juana Tijerina. His family moved to South Bend, Indiana, where he graduated from Washington High School and had a variety of jobs, of which truck driving was his favorite.
Cel was often the life of the party (even though he might have been notoriously late), and he never once met a stranger. He was a sports enthusiast who, in his younger years, played baseball locally as a catcher in Matthys Park’s recreational leagues. Additionally, he was known to play basketball at Pulaski park, and he became an accomplished bowler, achieving the perfect 300 game. In the bowling community, he was known as “Super Mex” where he shared his big personality and often wore his beloved Cincinnati Bengals Zubaz pants emulating the fashion and flair of his professional bowling idol, Guppy Troup. His exaggerated “play the lanes” style and playful banter was a tactic he often employed in competition with fellow players. Cel loved bowling so much, he even got married to Cindy at the former Polish National Alliance (#83) club on Lanes 5 and 6. As much as he loved playing sports, he was equally a fan of watching his favorite teams–the Boston Celtics, Dallas Cowboys, New York Yankees, Arkansas Razorbacks, and the University of Notre Dame Women’s basketball team.
Above all else, Cel had the biggest heart – he was a genuine, caring person who loved unconditionally and always put family first. He especially cherished his relationships with his children and grandchildren; he never missed an opportunity to place a phone or FaceTime call, create a TikTok video or Insta reel with his grandkids, or to reach out to friends and family with some light-hearted taunting when their favorite sports teams performed poorly. He also loved his canine companions, who were truly part of the family.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his youngest brother, David Tijerina. He is survived by his wife, Cindy Tijerina, and their children, Solidad Tijerina and Crystal (Jeff) DeJaegher, along with his children from his previous marriage to Biolanda Perales: Celestino (Cathy) Tijerina, Jr., Reynaldo Tijerina, Jennifer (Roberto) Tijerina-Cuevas, and Enedina (Chris) Englehart, each of whom is integral to his beloved, blended family. His lasting legacy lives on in them and through each of his 13 children and 2 great-grandchildren, whom he dearly loved.
In addition to his children, Cel is survived by his brother Felipe (Mary) Tijerina, Jr., and his sisters, Ofelia (Mike) Wiedenkofer, Janie Barajas, Maria Tijerina, Norma (Jose) Aguilar, and Carmen (Mike) Tijerina-Cantu. Many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends also remain to celebrate and honor his memory.
Visitation for Cel will take place from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Monday, April 21, 2025, at Saint Joseph Funeral Home, Mayflower Chapel located at 824 S. Mayflower Rd., South Bend, Indiana.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at the Saint Joseph Funeral Home chapel. Family may visit one hour prior to the scheduled mass. Burial to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.
4/10/2025 djb
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