Raul "Mike" San Miguel

Raul “Mike” San Miguel, 79, of Penfield died Tuesday, July 1, 2025.

Mike was born on July 22, 1945, in Las Cruces, NM, to Josephine (Alderete) San Miguel. He attended Las Cruces High School, wrestling for the Bulldogs, taking gold at state his senior year and helping the team win the state championship in 1964. After graduation, he joined the United States Air Force, stationed at Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, IL, eventually serving a tour in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. He married Agnes Dorsey on November 30, 1968, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, Penfield, IL. Mike earned an associate’s degree in accounting from Parkland Community College. He began work at the University of Illinois as a grounds keeper. In 2001, after more than 30 years, he retired as a facilities manager for Campus Recreation.

He was predeceased by his mother, Josephine (Alderete) San Miguel; maternal grandparents, Lorenzo Alderete and Atanacia Vasques; daughter-in-law Rebecca (Owens) San Miguel; and many uncles, aunts, and cousins.

He is survived by his wife Agnes San Miguel, Penfield; sons, Michael San Miguel, Penfield, and Rudy San Miguel (David Lafleur), Urbana; grandchildren, Paige and Thomas; brothers, Lorenzo “Lencho” San Miguel, Mesilla, NM; Raul (Yolanda) San Miguel, Pueblo, CO; niece, Cynthia, nephew, Raul, and great-niece, Thatiana.

He was a member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church and the Penfield-Gifford American Legion Post 1153.

Mike was a quiet man who enjoyed Westerns, college wrestling, and crossword puzzles. When large gatherings took place at his home—and thanks to his wife, they often did—he could be seen wishing everyone a good night on his way to bed around the time the sun was setting. He was a master gardener whose tomatoes were legendary; he never hesitated to help his neighbors; and he maintained he was only afraid of two things: “Aggie and tornadoes, in that order.”

Visitation: 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 9, Sunset Funeral Home’s Lux Chapel, 1551 E. Grove Ave., Rantoul, IL 61866. Funeral service: 10 a.m. Thursday, July 10, St. Lawrence Catholic Church, Penfield. Immediately following the service, he will be laid to rest in St. Lawrence Cemetery, Penfield. Father Joel Phelps will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Penfield-Gifford American Legion or the St. Lawrence Church Altar & Rosary Society.

Please join Mike’s family in sharing memories, photos, and videos on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com