Michael Leo Valdovinos
August 01, 1950 - August 02, 2020
Obituary
MCFARLAND - Michael L. "Mike" Valdovinos, age 70, of McFarland, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2020. He was born on Aug. 1, 1950, in Milwaukee, the oldest son of Gustavo and Bernadine (Kwasny) Valdovinos.
Mike served in the U.S. Marine Corps and was stationed in Danang, Vietnam. He then graduated from Milwaukee School of Engineering in 1977 with a bachelor’s degree in Architectural Engineering. After college, Mike worked for Spancrete in Waukesha for years. He then worked as a consulting engineer for the Wisconsin's Department of Safety and Building. Mike was united in marriage to Louise (Pieper) on April 20, 1974.
Mike is survived by his three children, Laura (Nick) Shtaida, Aaron (Tricia) Valdovinos and Kristine (Erik) Deitz; grandchildren, Levi, Wyatt, Halle, Lex, Lincoln, Evelyn and Leona; and several relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Lynn Smith.
He was a member of the American Legion Post No. 534, Veterans of Foreign War Post No. 107272, Four Lakes Detachment of the Marine Corps League No. 351 and Wisconsin Vietnam Vets Chapter 5. He proudly took part in the Pass and Review and Military Honor Rites performed by the Madison Area Veterans Firing Squad.
Due to the current pandemic, a drive through visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 10 a.m. until 12 noon on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2020. Following the visitation, a private service will be held. Family and friends who wish to view services via LIVE STREAM may visit Michael’s obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com and click on the Watch Webcast Link at 12 noon on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2020.Burial will take place at Roselawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the family of Michael to be designated at a later date. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
Events
Visitation
Thu Aug 6, 2020 @ 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Photos
No photos of Michael have been shared yet.
Memories
DR
Deb Rosenthal
Other •
So many memories all the way back to the fort behind our house on Jeffery Court when we were in grade school to just recently. Our families grew up together and I'm so grateful to have had a true friend in him. He was an honest, sweet man. Rest in Peace, my dear friend, along with your mom, dad and Lynn. We will miss you.
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Koreen
Other •
I love Uncle Mike. And my memories of being a kid with you, my cousins, and Uncle Mike making me laugh. I am remembering now a time in a kitchen. I think we were swimming somewhere that day. And Uncle Mike cracking me up at a kitchen table. That’s just what is coming through for me as I think of his essence. His spirit. His joy at making others happy. I am so sorry for the loss of your Dad. I can’t even begin to know what you are feeling but I am sending hugs as you sit with your sorrow. I am also so sad this is happening now with Covid. Thank you for the updates. I love you, my cousins.
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Gail Valdovinos
Other •
Gail, Jim, and Jimmy always will remember Uncle Mike. Always welcoming when we visited Deforest and would also visit us here in Milwaukee. Plenty of laughs were shared and his generosity will always be remembered when he bought us our favorite neighborhood pizza. Thoughts and prayers are with you Laura, Aaron, and Christine. Love you guys!
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Dorothy White
Other •
I worked with Mike for many years at the state. He was always so friendly. We used to go on walks and try to exercise together our last few years before I retired. I remember when Evie was born he was so excited and my great grandson was born shortly afterwards. We were always sharing pictures with each other. He was a good friend. I didn't get to see him much after I retired, but will still miss his smiling face and his laugh. My sympathy to all his family. I know he was so proud of all of you.
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Tammi Alexander, Badger Honor Flight
Other •
The volunteers, flight team and board of Badger Honor Flight mourn the loss of their hero, Michael Valdovinos. We are thankful for his military service and proud to have served him on his trip to Washington, D.C. on April 22, 2017.
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Audrey Fries
Other •
So sorry to hear of Mike's passing. As a member of the Safety and Buildings team, you couldn't enter the office without encountering Mike's smile. He was a man who believed in God and Country, always so proud and so willing to step forward to serve; he set a great example. Yet as proud as he was of his service, that was nothing compared to his love of family and the pride he took in his family's accomplishments. My condolences to his family, may you take comfort in the memories you share and in the knowledge of the impact Mike had on others.