Celestino R. Lopez, 91, peacefully passed away on June 28, 2023 at Woodlawn Hospital in Rochester. On August 15, 1931, he was born to Antonio and Dolores (Ramirez) Lopez in Mission, TX.
After his honorable discharge for the U.S. Army after serving in the Korean War, Cele married the love of his life, Sara Villegas, on May 6, 1954. They would go on to have 7 beautiful children.
Cele worked as a Bearing Inspector & Machine Operator for Centerless Grinding at Universal Bearing in Bremen. He also served as the Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop #250. Celestino was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church serving as a Eucharist Minister and Acolyte. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.
Cele was beloved as the Hero of the Family. After his retirement from Universal Bearing, he spent his days keeping up with Sara.
He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Sara V. Lopez and is lovingly remembered by his children: Celestino (Linda) Lopez Jr.; Gerardo (Jennifer) Lopez; Sara Lopez, Alma Salgado; Gabriel (Maria) Lopez; Christobal (Karen Sue) Lopez; Lourdes (Adam) Lemler; and honorary son, David Fear, along with 19 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
Cele is preceded in death by his parents, Antonio and Maria Dolores, and siblings, Santiago, Guadalupe, Virginia, Roberto, Maria and Carlos.
Visitation will be held on Friday, July 7, 2023, from 4-7 pm at the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home: 1100 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth. A bilingual rosary will be recited at 7 pm.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, July 8, 2023 at 10:30 AM at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 613 N. Center St., Plymouth, with Fr. Fernando and Fr. Keeton officiating.
To live stream the Mass, please go to: https://youtube.com/@saintmichaelplymouthvideos3976
Interment will take place in the St. Michael Catholic Cemetery, Plymouth.
In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Cele can be made to the St. Michael Catholic Church, 613 N. Center St., Plymouth IN 46563 or to Boy Scout Troop #251. 850 Columbus Drive, Plymouth, IN 46563.
From the Family – Special thanks to the employees of Johnson Danielson Funeral Home, Woodlawn Hospital of Rochester, ProMedica Hospice, Life Care Center of Rochester, Pilgrim Manor, Catherine Kasper, Shayna D., Caitlyn B., and Michelle G. for their talents and love for fellow man.
Service
Visitation
Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home
1100 N Michigan Street, Plymouth, IN 46563
July 7, 2023
4:00pm - 7:00pm
Funeral Mass
St, Michael Catholic Church
613 N. Center, Plymouth, IN 46563
July 8, 202310:30am
Sofia Sanchez says
My prayers and condolences to all the family. Mrs. Lopez I am so sorry your loss my parents liked you both so much.
Lourdes Lemler says
I remember your mom and dad! Great folks and true friends to our parents. Thank you Sofia! Lourdes Lopez-Lemler
Ren and Beverly Van Gilder says
We are so very sorry, about the loss, of your precious loved one. We send you our love.
Ren and Beverly Van Gilder
Lourdes Lemler says
Thank you mom and daddy Ren! Love, Lourdes Lemler (#7)
Ren and Beverly Van Gilder says
Love you sweetheart.
Mom and Dad Van Gilder
Rita Beck says
So sorry for your loss. Sending prayers for all of the family.
Becky Abair Mear says
Mrs Lopez and family, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. My family lived 1 house away, I remember playing with the kids he was always nice to us. Rest in peace.
Betsy Story says
So sorry for your loss.
Lourdes Lemler says
Thank you Betsy! Love, Lourdes Lemler (#7) 🙂
Carol Finkbiner says
Sara and family we are so sorry to hear about Cele. Both Kenny and I are keeping all of you in our prayers.
Shirley Gidley says
My love to Sara and all of the family. Having known them for 57 years , through Boy Scouts, church, and each of the children and working with Sara and Cel and their dedication to children and education, and family involvement, has been an important and meaningful time, in the lives of The Gidley Family.
Lourdes Lemler says
Thank you Shirley for being family. We love you! Lourdes Lemler (#7)
Joe & Mary Salazar says
So sorry for your loss my condolences to you and family , I met Celestino over 60 years ago . We worked at the same place , we rode together to work . Great friend.
Lourdes Lemler says
Thank you Joe & Mary! The Salazar Family are always in our hearts. 🙂
Lourdes Lemler (#7)
Matthew Cloud says
I am so sorry for the loss of Cele to his family. He was a wonderful man and Knight of Columbus who always had a ready smile and joke to tell as well as digging in to help. He will be missed.
McKee Family says
Prayers to The Family of Cele. His family speaks volumes of the life he lived. He will always be remembered in the lives They continue to live from his model through Christ .
Paul Wendel says
Dear Lopez family, It is with great sadness to hear of Celestine’s passing. He was a very humble and great man as one can see of the great family that he and Sara raised.
I have many fond memories of spending time at your house as kids and hanging out and talking to your dad, he always had great words of wisdom for me.
While you celebrate his life, please remember to also celebrate the husband he was to your mother, but also his life as a family man who loved to celebrate his children’s accomplishments.
You had a great dad!!!
Paul Wendel
Rita Chrisos says
Cele, Linda, Mallory and family,
So sorry for your loss. It’s hard losing a parent and grandparent.
God Bless
Chuck & Rita Chrisos
Dee (Regnier) Naccarato says
Laurie,
I am so very sorry for the loss of your Dad. He and your Mom were always so welcoming and kind. My condolences to you, your Mom and your family. A truly great man who will never be forgotten.
Denice says
Sympathy to all of the family. Hugs and Prayers
Pam Kurtis and family says
I am so very sad for you. So hard to lose a dad, grandfather, and husband.
Norma Young says
Please accept my sincere sympathy.I didn’t know your husband, but, I’ll always remember how much you loved Cele and your family. When we volunteered together at the hospital on Saturday’s. Take care of yourself Sara.
Norma Young says
Please accept my sympathy to you and family.