Miguel P. DeGuzman

A visitation will be held on Sunday, March 22, from 4:00 – 8:00 PM at Marsh Funeral Home, 305 N Cemetery Rd in Gurnee. A funeral mass will be held on Monday, March 23, at 10:00 AM at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 6401 Gages Lake Rd in Gurnee. Interment will be private.

Born on May 8th, 1941, in Malolos City, Bulacan, Philippines to Florencio and Dolores DeGuzman, Miguel was the youngest of four sons. Coming from simple roots, he developed a commendable work ethic and a talent for mechanics. His life changed forever when he met Rita through her best friend in Miguel’s hometown. Though they had first met years prior, sparks eventually flew, and they were married on September 9, 1972, at Quezon City Sacred Heart Parish Church. In the Philippines, Miguel worked as a skilled mechanic for Manila Bay Hosiery and Commonwealth Knitting, while Rita rose through the ranks as an examiner for the Philippines Commission and Audit. In 1983, things changed when the U.S. immigrant visa application Rita had filed years before was finally approved. Despite having built a stable life, the now family of five chose a new chapter and immigrated to the United States.

In the U.S., Miguel’s career was marked by excellence. He worked for Brach’s Candies, Mail-Well, Inc., Coca Cola, Grossinger, eventually retiring from a Ford dealership. His quiet dedication and punctuality earned him "Model Employee" honors at both Brach’s and Mail-Well, Inc. He was someone who valued a quiet start to the day, often found peacefully reading the paper before work began.

Retirement only deepened his commitment to service. For several years, he was a familiar face at the St. Thomas of Canterbury soup kitchen in Chicago and volunteered at Feed My Starving Children, where he lived out his faith by feeding the hungry. For 27 years, Miguel was a reliable member of the Missionary Families of Christ, at times serving as leader and mentor. Having a regular interest in the Bible, he found it rewarding to read through the Bible twice. He hardly ever missed a conference or assembly, quietly taking in what he could about the Lord.

Beyond his service, Miguel was known for his warmth and a surprising hidden talent. Though naturally quiet—a closet singer to many—he possessed a rich, baritone voice. He enjoyed the old classics, especially “Mahiwaga” (Mysterious) and Sinatra’s “My Way,” occasionally serenading his wife Rita in front of his family and friends. He was at home around others—whether it was grabbing a drink with his brothers-in-law back in the day or showing his easygoing side through a quick joke. He held onto the comfort of Psalm 23 and lived by the simple aim of Joshua 24:15: “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

Miguel is survived by his wife Rita DeGuzman (nee Rendor); sons Michael (Jessica), Angelo (Alison), and Bernard (MaryGrace); grandchildren Zachary, Zoe, Daniel, Gwenalyn, Cassidy, Beckham, and Aiden; and many dear nieces, nephews, and other family members. He was preceded by his parents, and his brothers Emiliano, George, and Paquito.

He will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to know and love him.