Cecelia Delia Tisinger, age 89, of Durant, died peacefully, surrounded by family, on April 18, 2026. As per Cecelia’s wishes, private family funeral services will occur at a later date. Burial will take place next to her husband, Lee, in the Rock Island National Cemetery. Extended family and close friends are invited to a celebration of life honoring Cecelia and Lee on May 24, at their home, from 1–4 p.m. Memorials may be made to: U of I Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Online condolences may be left at www.bentleyfunerahome.com.
Cecelia was born on May 13, 1936, to Kenneth William and Sabedia (Reed) Clements in rural Cedar County. She was one of nine children. Raised with deep-rooted family values, she grew up surrounded by love and shared a close relationship with her parents and siblings. Cecelia graduated from Bennett High School in 1953.
On May 28, 1955, Cecelia married the love of her life, Lee Tisinger, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Davenport. They were married for over 65 years before Lee’s passing. They built a beautiful life together, raising eight children in Durant. Cecelia was an extraordinary mother and wife, completely devoted, warm, and loving.
In the later years, her and Lee spent most days together gardening, thrift shopping, frequent games of Rummikub, and visiting with their 23 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren, who were the center of their world. Cecelia had a truly big heart and a special affection for babies, always eager to hold, comfort, and care for them. She delighted in the simple things in life, tending to her flowers, sewing, and collecting dolls. But her greatest joys were holidays and celebrations with family.
A woman of strong Catholic faith, Cecelia lived her life guided by kindness, compassion, and quiet strength. She loved to be silly and laugh, especially with her sister Vi. Her grandchildren will carry with them memories of her paper airplane games and the warmth of her joyful spirit.
Cecelia is survived by her children: Timothy (Rhonda) Tisinger, Blue Grass; Thomas (Pearl) Tisinger, Joliet, Ill.; Robert (Shelly) Tisinger, Durant; Kenneth (Chae) Tisinger, Bettendorf; Christine Tisinger, Muscatine; Steven (Nina) Tisinger, Bennington, Neb.; Deana (Larry) Cavin, Durant; and Mary (Frank) Best, Columbus Junction; 23 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Sabedia Kean and Angela Techau, Texas.
She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; four brothers, Edward “Bud” Anthony Clements, John Clem-ents, Kenneth Clements, and Richard Clements; two sisters, Viola “Vi” House and Laurie Mellows; and grandson, Jason Tisinger.
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