Michael (Mike) Lee Murinko, 69

Michael (Mike) Lee Murinko, 69, died Aug. 28, 2022, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, after a hard fight with an aggressive Cancer.

Mike was born Sept. 2, 1952, in Rock Springs, Wyo., to Francis Edward and Burma Ruth (Hunter) Murinko. He was one of 11 children and was tragically orphaned when Francis and Burma passed in 1969. Each of the children had vastly different paths that eventually brought them all back together. Mike was the glue to all the siblings.

Mike served in the Navy during the Vietnam War and served one tour. When he returned, he dabbled in quite a bit of different things before finally settling down with his wife, Ellen Murinko (Hendricks), in Post Falls, Idaho. They were married Aug. 4, 1989. His favorite job was his work with the movie business as a Special Effects Technician and Pyro Effects Technician. He completed multiple movies, which in the credits would read his set name “Iron Mike.” To his children, that name fit him well as he was tough as all get out.

Mike is preceded in death by his mother and father, brothers Phil, Dale and Ron and sister Sherry. Mike is survived by wife Ellen, daughter Jacqueline Murinko and Ashley Fargher (DIL) and daughter Lacey Murinko and Sergio Ramirez (SIL). Mike has three granddaughters, Makayla, Alyah and Addyson and one grandson, Jaxson.

Mike will be missed by many, including brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A celebration of life/birthday party will be held at his home in Post Falls, which he shared with his wife and children, Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022.