Fred Tienken

Ernest Fredrick "Fred" Tienken, 72, of Westminster, SC, passed away Friday, February 28, 2025.
Born in Wilmington, NC, he was the son of the late Ernest and Helen Zellers Tienken. Fred retired from Michelin following 37 years of service. His love for and devotion to his family was at the forefront of his entire life. He was very active and enjoyed biking, hiking, kayaking and dancing with Celeste. Fred was an avid pool player, frequently hosting friends and newcomers alike to shoot on his 9ft table. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle in dirt bike trials in his early years and in the mountains with his friends later in life. Woodworking was his main creative passion; he used his talents to build custom projects for family and friends. Joining his son's involvement in scouting, Fred mentored many young men as an assistant scoutmaster in Troop 84. Fred was always one of the first to volunteer to help friends and his community; continuing to volunteer at Chickasaw Golf Course and Wilderness Way Girls Camp in his final years. Fred was a member of Church of the Good Shepherd in Wilmington, NC and attended St. Joseph Catholic Church in Anderson with his family.
Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Celeste Tienken; daughter, Laura Richardson (B.J.); son, Matthew Tienken (Sarah); four grandchildren, Aiden Richardson, Annabelle Richardson, Emory Tienken, and Autumn Tienken; and a number of nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Cheryl Gafford.
The family will receive friends Thursday, March 6th, from 4-6pm at Sullivan-King Mortuary, 3205 North Highway 81, Anderson, SC.
At a later date a memorial service will be held in Wilmington, NC and his ashes will be interred alongside generations of relatives at Oakdale Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Church of the Good Shepherd, 515 Queen Street, Wilmington, NC 28401 or St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1200 Cornelia Road, Anderson, SC 29621.
Sullivan-King Mortuary