Michael Anthony Tijerina

Michael Anthony Tijerina passed away suddenly Saturday, October 15, 2016 at age 14 years. He was born July 5, 2002 in Saginaw, Michigan to Kimberly Tijerina and Ralph Gonzales.
Michael attended Carrollton High School as a freshman. He attended Holy Family Catholic Church. He enjoyed playing trumpet as a band member, playing baseball, and soccer, his favorite sport. Michael loved playing video games, collecting sports memorabilia, and other items, like coins, sports cards, comics, limited edition cans/bottles, and Jordans. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family in Detroit. He cherished his pet turtle, Ninja. Michael was passionate about astronomy and loved history. Michaels favorite time of the year was Halloween because he loved dressing up in costumes, especially as superhero Master Chief. He was very happy, well-mannered, polite, grateful, loving, smart, and handsome, a leader among his family and friends. He will be missed by all those who were privileged to be in his presence and loved him unconditionally.
He leaves to cherish his memory his parents, Kimberly Tijerina and Ralph Gonzales Sr.; grandparents, Nancy (Nana) and Ray (Papa) Tijerina, Diana and Ernesto (Butch) Galaviz, Grace and John Gonzales; great-grandparents, Rosemary and Marcelo Juarez, Beatrice (Granny) Gonzales; great-great-grandfather, Albert Vargas Sr.; one brother, Ralph Gonzales Jr.; three aunts, Tasha Kenny, Carry Rosales, Carla Esmiller; five uncles, John (Juanita) Gonzales, Pete (Cecilia) Juarez, John Ledesma, Michael Gonzales, Jim Platko; many cousins including special cousins, Daniel Reyes III, Mariah Atkins, Makayla Juarez, Jason Juarez Jr., Jacob Esmiller, David Reyes Jr.; many other relatives and friends including his special friend and god-brother, Silviano Sanchez; and his god-parents, Amanda Suitor and Pete Juarez.
Michael was preceded in death by his grandparents, great-grandparents, and many other relatives.
The family would like to express special thanks to Garber Buick, all those who contributed to Michaels GoFundMe account, and everyone who made personal donations.

Visitation: Sunday, October 23, 2016 - 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Paradise Funeral Chapel
3100 South Washington Avenue
Saginaw, Michigan 48601
(989)754-4826

Mass of Resurrection: Monday, October 24, 2016 - 10:00 a.m.
St. Joseph Parish
936 North 6th Avenue
Saginaw, Michigan 48601
(989)755-7561

Officiating: Father Frank Voris
Interment: Mt. Olivet Cemetery