Mike Joseph Murillo

Mike Murillo, 91, passed away peacefully in his home, alongside his family on Sunday, October 5, 2025 in West Des Moines, Iowa.

Mike was born February 3, 1934 to Ysidro and Antonia Murillo in West Des Moines, IA. Mike grew up in Valley Junction and graduated from Valley High School in 1953. He lettered in high school football and basketball. After graduating, he started working for the Rock Island Railroad for a year and then went off to the service in 1955. He served in the Army for two years as an honorary guard stationed in Virginia. Mike was very proud to have served his country. When his service was completed, he returned to West Des Moines and married the love of his life, Mary Diaz on Feb 7, 1959 at Sacred Heart Church. Mike continued to work for the Rock Island Railroad and later the Chicago Northwestern Railroad, retiring after 41 years.

Mike loved sports, especially his Iowa Hawkeyes. He coached girls’ softball with his brothers for several of his nieces, as well as little league baseball for his two sons, both at Holiday Park in West Des Moines. He was selected as the Major League All-Star coach with both sons on the team and won several championships. His proudest moments were attending children, grandchildren and great grandchildren’s sports and school activities.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Murillo; children, Victor (Mary) Murillo, Tony (Leah) Murillo, Felicia Murillo and Alicia (Mark) Rooney; nine grandchildren; two step grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and two step-great-grandchildren.

Mike was preceded in death by his daughter, Angela; parents; brothers, Jesse, Tito, Manuel and Abel Murillo; and sisters, Abbie Chia, Jane Bejarno and Mary Negrete.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1627 Grand Avenue in West Des Moines, IA with a visitation from 11:00 to 12:00 p.m. prior. A luncheon will follow at the church. A private burial will be held on Thursday, October 16 at Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel, Iowa.

The Murillo family would like to express their thanks for the wonderful care from Mercy One In-Home Hospice Care that was given to Mike and his family during the last two months of his life.

In memory of Mike Murillo, memorial contributions may be mailed to:
Iowa Veterans Cemetery
4024 Veterans Memorial Drive
Adel, IA. 50003

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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