Guido Madrigal

Ramon Isidro Guido de Jesus Madrigal Sandí, simply known as Guido Madrigal, a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and longtime resident of Chicago, peacefully passed into the presence of the Lord at his home on the evening of Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at the age of 92.

Guido is survived by his beloved wife, Dunia Madrigal; and his children, Sandra (Jorge) Alvarado, Guido A. Madrigal, Ivan (FI Margarita Nino) Madrigal, Jeanie (James) Smith, and Cynthia (Thomas) Tagler. He was preceded in death by his mother, Cristina Madrigal Sandí; his siblings, Carmen Morales, Maria Lamboy, Flor Ramirez, and Fernando Madrigal; and his great-granddaughter, Lilliana Smith.

Born on May 15, 1933, in Itiquís, Alajuela, Costa Rica, Guido was the eldest of five children. When he was a toddler, his mother moved the family to Escazú, a small mountainous town in the province of San José, where he was raised before immigrating to Chicago in 1963.

Throughout his life, Guido worked many jobs, including masonry and construction. As a young boy, he picked up golf balls at the Escazú Country Club, where he developed a lifelong passion for golf. At just 15 years old, Guido lived through the Costa Rican Civil War, supporting his mother, siblings, and friends during a difficult and uncertain time.

Guido excelled in athletics and won many trophies in golf, soccer, and tennis. He was known for his lively spirit, warm conversations, sense of humor, love of dancing, and enjoyment of traditional Costa Rican coffee time shared with family, friends, and even strangers. Though he worked many trades and loved many sports, it was ultimately his passion for golf that changed the course of his life.

Guido eventually began working at the same Escazú Country Club where he once collected golf balls. Over time, he became a championship golfer, head caddymaster, and trusted confidant of the club’s management. During this season of life, he married his beloved wife, Dunia Zamora Azofeifa, on August 31, 1960, and together they began building their family.

Through his work at the club, Guido met many interesting people, including American industrialist Lee Baumgarten, owner of Lee Lumber Co., who golfed with Guido while vacationing in Costa Rica. Impressed by Guido’s character and work ethic, Mr. Baumgarten invited him to explore the possibility of starting a new life in Chicago with the promise of a home and employment opportunity.

After visiting Chicago and seeing its potential, Guido and Dunia accepted the offer and immigrated to the South Side of Chicago. Guido began working for Lee Lumber Co., where he earned seniority and became a respected master craftsman in woodworking. After living in neighborhoods including Hyde Park, Englewood, and Bridgeport, the Madrigal family eventually settled in the Canaryville neighborhood, within walking distance of his workplace. Guido and Dunia raised their five children there, and Lee Lumber remained the only employer Guido ever had in the United States. He also continued golfing recreationally at local country clubs and occasionally played alongside boxing legend Joe Louis.

The family faithfully attended Southside Baptist Church, where Guido became a follower of Jesus Christ in 1973 after attending a friend’s funeral. His faith became the foundation of his life. Over the years, he served faithfully as a deacon and usher in various church communities and opened his home for Bible studies that eventually helped inspire the formation of several churches and a local nonprofit ministry.

As the years passed, Guido and Dunia’s family grew to include grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Guido intentionally loved his family, friends, and neighbors through his steadfast faith and generous spirit. He shared his love through teaching his children and grandchildren sports, craftsmanship, practical skills, enduring life values, and biblical faith.

Guido will be deeply missed for his gentle spirit, unconditional love, and kindness toward others. Though many would say he lived a full and meaningful life, his family rejoices in the hope that he is now experiencing the fullness of eternal life in the presence of his Heavenly Father.

A wake for Guido will be held at Mount Auburn Funeral Home (4101 S. Oak Park Ave, Stickney, IL 60402) Wednesday, May 13, 2026, from 4pm to 8pm with a prayer service at 6:30 pm. A morning visitation will take place Thursday, May 14, 2026, with a funeral service to follow at 11:00am. Pastor Christopher Ophus will officiate.

Services will conclude with a burial at Mount Auburn Cemetery, (4101 S. Oak Park Ave. Stickney, IL 60402.)