Miguel “Mikey” A. Mercado III

Miguel “Mikey” Angel Mercado III, 26, of Poplar Grove, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on January 1, 2026, in Rockford. He was born on April 20, 1999, in Park Ridge, IL, the son of Miguel and Wema (Barkho) Mercado. Mikey was a loving, caring, and funny young man. Mikey found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved watching cooking videos and would often ask his parents to recreate the dishes he discovered, embracing food with a sense of adventure—though sushi always remained his favorite. He enjoyed playing video games, watching anime, wrestling, and movies, with the Rush Hour trilogy holding a special place in his heart. Above all, Mikey treasured time spent with his family. His faith was a steady source of comfort and strength; he spent time in prayer, read the Bible, and faithfully watched Sunday Mass on his iPad. Guided by his faith, Mikey lived with a gentle spirit that touched the hearts of everyone who knew him.

Mikey is lovingly survived by his parents, Miguel and Wema; his grandparents, Miguel and Mary Mercado; his aunts and uncles: Paul Baumgartner, widower of Hoda, of Belvidere, Illinois; Yvette “Betty” (Jose) Nieves of Hartford, Connecticut; Jean (Ivette) Barkho of Acworth, Georgia; Elias (Marie) Barkho of Cherry Valley, Illinois; Jeanette (Joseph) Khochaba of Yorkville, Illinois; and Juliette (Johnson) Odisho of Peoria, Arizona. He is also survived by his many cherished cousins. Mikey was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jack and Laure Barkho, and his aunt, Hoda Baumgartner.

Mikey now rests in God’s loving care, forever remembered and deeply loved by all. His love, faith, and light will live on in the hearts of his family and all those who knew him.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, IL 61108. A Mass will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church, 402 Church St, Belvidere, IL 61008. The burial will conclude in Belvidere Cemetery, 1121 N Main St, Belvidere, IL 61008.

Floral tributes in memory of Mikey Mercado may be ordered through Event Floral in Loves Park - 815-885-3900. Please indicate that the arrangement is for Mikey when placing your order.

To share memories and condolences online, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.