Miguel Villalobos

September 29, 1927 - September 20, 2016

Miguel Bernardino Vasquez Villalobos passed away on Tuesday, September 20, 2016 at the age of 88 in his home in Utah surrounded by loving family. Miguel was born in Mexico City, Mexico to Bernardino Villalobos and Teresa Rangel Vazquez on September 29, 1927 and was the oldest of 11 children. Bernardino and Teresa were proud of their oldest son who came to the United States on numerous occasions to work in order to help support his parents, grandmother and younger siblings. Miguel was taught the value of hard work at a very young age. He completed an 8th grade education and began working with his father in the railroad. He apprenticed in the carpentry shop and in the foundry of Ferrocarril Nacionales de Mexico working on steam locomotives. After several years, he left Mexico and came to the United States. He worked in various occupations, from dishwasher, farm worker, meatpacker, upholsterer, and night manager of the Sunnyside and Sunset Drive-In Theaters. He finally settled down and met Margarita (Margie) Sarah Ruiz. Their marriage was solemnized in the Mesa Arizona LDS Temple. They were blessed with one son and two daughters. Miguel decided to go into the Mexican Restaurant business. He started “El Taquito Café” in downtown Fresno California and was in business for three years. He had many loyal customers who loved his famous “Chile Verde.” He later opened up another restaurant, “The Villa-Lobos Mexican Restaurant” in Centerville, California and continued his success in attracting new and loyal customers. Miguel had recently moved to Utah to be closer to his children and grandchildren and was able to make wonderful memories together. Miguel was a hardworking, faithful member of the LDS Church who along with his wife taught his children the value of hard work and helping others in all places and in all times. He is survived by his siblings, America, Zeniff, Moroni, Mosiah, and Claudia; and his 3 children Miguel (Luz Maria), Teresa (Scott), and Julissa; 8 grandchildren and a great grandson who is on his way. He was preceded in death by his wife, Margarita and 5 siblings. He is deeply loved by his children, daughter-in-law, son-in-law, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends and we will sorely miss him. We are looking forward to when we will all meet again. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, September 29th, at 11:00 am, at the American Fork 35th Ward, 165 North 350 West, American Fork, Utah, where a Viewing will be held prior from 9:00 to 10:30 am. Interment in American Fork City Cemetery, 600 North 100 East, American Fork, Utah. Funeral Directors: Utah Valley Mortuary.