Miguel Valdez

Miguel Valdez, Sr., age 82, passed away peacefully at home on the evening of October 18, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Miguel was born on January 22, 1944, in Spanish Harlem, a neighborhood in Upper Manhattan, New York City. He lost his father when he was eight years old. His mother later remarried and moved the family to the Bronx, New York. Miguel graduated from Bronx Vocational High School in 1963, where he participated in football, cross country, and track and field, earning several state medals.

Following graduation, Miguel enlisted in the United States Air Force and was stationed at McConnell Air Force Base in Kansas. There, he met Enriqueta “Ricki” Sifuentez, who would become his wife of 61 years. They married on June 19, 1965, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Newton, Kansas.

After an honorable military career, Miguel and Ricki made their home in Newton, where they raised four children. Miguel worked for the Santa Fe Railroad for 30 years, retiring in 1995. Following retirement, he served as an interpreter for the City of Newton Municipal Court and the Newton Police Department for 15 years, until the progression of Parkinson’s disease led him to step away from the role.

Later in life, Miguel built his dream home overlooking a beautiful pond, open fairways, and rolling greens with a breathtaking view of the evening sunset. Together with his wife, entertaining friends and family brought him immeasurable joy. On warm summer evenings, he was fond of the front outdoor sitting area or enjoying a cold drink with friends and family on the backyard deck. The home became a cherished gathering place for homecooked meals, holiday celebrations, and domino game nights.

Miguel was a very social man who loved connecting with others and serving his community. As a member of the Heart-to-Heart Board of Directors, he helped coordinate benefits, fundraising efforts, and event sponsorships. He also served on the Parish Council at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and spent many hours in prayer in the Perpetual Adoration Chapel.

As Miguel transitioned to spending more time at home, he was devoted to remaining busy and dedicated countless hours to his love of woodworking. One of his greatest joys during these years was found in making gifts for family and friends. His garage workshop was filled with handmade cradles and rocking chairs for his grandchildren, and ornate birdhouses for his wife and those who held a special place in his heart. In addition to woodworking, he could often be found in his home office researching old artifacts and rare coins. Finally, Miguel spent many days in his gardens, tending to his vegetables, plants and trees, and surrounding the home with flowers. His handcrafted wooden bridges, archways, and beloved birdhouses decorated his gardens.

Miguel is survived by his wife, Ricki; his four children, Angela Schrock (David), Mike Valdez (Lisa), Dino Valdez (Dara), and David Valdez (Cary); ten grandchildren, Lexus Schrock, Holly Schrock, Reece Schrock, Cristian Valdez, Hailey Valdez, Cailen Valdez, Cade Valdez, Creighton Valdez, Taylor Valdez, and Mikayla Valdez; and one great-grandson, Carter Valdez.

A viewing will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Newton on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at 5 p.m., followed by praying of the Rosary at 6 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church on Monday, October 26, 2026, at 11 a.m., with burial at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

For those unable to attend in person, the rosary and funeral Mass services will be live streamed via the OLG Newton YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@olgnewton2141. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to Good Shepherd Hospice of Newton and may be left with the funeral home.