Valerie Krueger Munoz

“To have been loved so deeply, even though the person who loved us is gone, will give us some protection forever.” - Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

Valerie Jean Krueger Muñoz gently departed on the morning of November 28th, 2025 in Tucson, AZ. Not only was she a mother, wife, sister, aunt, teacher, and friend, but also the spark that lit up the room with her infectious laughter and boundless love. Her life overflowed with humor, warmth, creativity, and selfless generosity, leaving a mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Born in Ann Arbor, MI on April 10th, 1956, the youngest of 8 children (Carol, Phyllis, Shirley, Melanie, Johanna, Vikki, and Michael), Valerie is survived by her sister Johanna. She traveled to San Diego in her early-30s where she met her husband Rodolfo Muñoz, originally from Douglas, AZ, and together raised two sons, Joseph (Tucson, AZ) and Christopher (National City, CA), all of whom survive her.

She spent the first half of her professional career in accounting at Mission Federal Credit Union and Diego & Sons Printing. Answering a different calling mid-career, she went back to school at night and acquired a Masters of Education from National University, all while raising her two boys and working full-time. She then pursued a spiritual calling that led her to become a Commissioned Minister of Religion for the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, where she taught 3rd grade for a decade and touched the hearts and lives of countless children.

Valerie was an avid reader who loved Harry Potter and Janet Evanovich’s mysteries (once boasting a robust hardcover collection of her favorites). She loved all animals (except pigeons) and was proud to be mother to 2 cats and grandmother to 12 more. She was brave and ambitious, always accomplishing anything she set her mind to, and in her final days, she held on to her humor above everything else.

Valerie’s legacy of kindness, laughter, and love will remain in the hearts of everyone she touched. The family expresses their gratitude for the outpouring of support and loving words during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity that supports children or animal welfare, in honor of Valerie’s lifelong passions.