Tranquilino "Lino" Cruz

Tranquilino “Lino” Cruz of Saginaw, Michigan

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, November 7, 2020, at Covenant HealthCare – Cooper. He was 85 years old. Tranquilino was born on May 15, 1935 in Nagbunga, Philippines, to the late Florencio and Fortunata (Famularcano) Ballon. He graduated high school in the Philippines and immigrated to the United States through California, eventually moving to Saginaw, Michigan, obtaining a two years Associates Degree in Auto Mechanics and began working as a master mechanic in fleet services at Consumers Energy; retiring in October 1, 2006, after many years of loyal and dedicated service. He married Paulita Deocampo on January 7, 1993. Lino and his wife Paulita are longtime faithful members of Bridgeport Baptist Church. He had an intricate mind, steady hands, and the innate ability to build and fix things. Lino spent several years playing tennis and had recently taken up pickle ball, where he took great pride and pleasure in winning challenges against all the “young people”. He was the quintessential outdoorsman enjoying camping, hunting, and fishing. Above all, Lino loved nothing more than to tailgate at his grandsons sporting events; always the first arriving, and never passing up a dish or chance to make new friends.

Surviving are his wife, Paulita Cruz of Saginaw; daughter, Lynn (John) Young and their sons: John, Matthew and Jacob Young; a deceased step-son, Carlito (Janet) Real and their surviving daughters: Nichole (Andy) Pelz and Annalies (Danny) Tomlinson; step-daughter, Marilou (Michael) O’Dell and their children: Stephen (Rachael) O’Dell, Jason O’Dell and Melissa (Cliff) Gjada; step-daughter, Ellen (Doug) Driver and their children: Alisa Driver, Michelle (Zach) Matthews, and Thomas (Kaitlyn) Driver; five great-grandchildren: Carter O’Dell, Lola and Wally Pelz, and Cooper and Maximus Driver. Also surviving are many a niece and two nephews: Rose (Jeff) Alfante, Dave (Didi) Dalton, and John (Cathy) Dewar; many extended family, and friends.

A funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 19, 2020, at First Baptist Church of Bridgeport. Pastors R.B. Ouellette and JD Howell will officiate with cremation to follow the service. Friends are welcome to visit the family at the church on Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Pursuant to regulations set forth by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, indoor building capacity is limited, face coverings are required, and social distancing encouraged. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to First Baptist Church of Bridgeport. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the church or through www.casefuneralhome.com.