Michael Nguyen

Michael "Mike" L Nguyen, age 32, passed away on Tuesday November 5, 2019 in Sparta, WI. He was born February 19, 1987 to Hiep Nguyen and Trang Le in Sacramento, CA. Mike married his wife Michelle Phillips on May 28, 2010 in Orange County, CA and they had a beautiful daughter together.

Mike was an amazing person. He had the best smile; one that could light up a room and certainly make his wife fall in love with him. He had a childlike sense of humor. He had a voice for every dog he met and every stuffed animal his daughter owned. He made up a song for anything and everything, a quirk his daughter carries on. He was a lover of video games, tacos, guns, IPAs and his mama's pho. He was smart, a real problem solver. Most of all he was selfless. He loved endlessly and was there to lend a hand to anyone that needed it. He wasn't big on words; rather showed his love through acts of service: clean dishes, a mowed lawn, a meal. Doing things without being asked. Always making sure everyone had what they needed before they even knew they needed it.

This selflessness and need to serve led to his enlistment in the United States Marine Corps. He honorably served 8 years in which he served two tours in Iraq, a Sea Service in the Pacific, and one tour in Afghanistan. He put his heart and soul into the service of his country. He devoted his time to his men and made it his personal mission to make sure they were as prepared as possible for any situation. He went above and beyond for them. He was knowledgeable, confident, courageous, and led by example which made him a trusted leader; someone they could follow into any situation without hesitation. More than that, more than caring for the mission, Mike cared about the people behind those uniforms. He wasn't afraid to get dirty and lend a hand for tasks below his pay grade. He gave up his time to make sure his men had the opportunity to talk to their families. And he had a presence that could heal when someone was going through more than they could handle on their own.

After his time in the military ended, Mike's most meaningful work began. He became a dad. This man, who could stay cool as a cucumber in the most dangerous of situations, was terrified of being responsible for a tiny human. But the moment he held his daughter in his arms his heart swelled, and he was wrapped around her finger. He loved his little girl, his mini me, with every fiber of his being. They spent so much time laughing together, making silly faces at each other, carrying on conversations through her stuffed animals, and singing the most ridiculous songs.

Mike wasn't close to many people; he liked who he liked. But if you were lucky enough to crack through that tough exterior you had the best friend for life. You knew his big heart, his goofy smile, his generosity. He was a man you could lean on for help whenever you needed it. He was loved beyond measure and will be missed more than he could've ever imagined.

Private services will be held.

Cress Funeral Service
1310 Emerald Terrace
Sun Prairie, WI 53590