"My name may be lost to him, but he was my favorite teacher. I will forever miss him. And yes, I may recognize names on this list, but Mr.V, Bowtie, will always be loved. He helped me through abuse. I owe that to him. -Sincerely, Cameron Kelly"
In loving memory of
Antonio N. Valenzuela
November 10, 1989 - February 23, 2020
ANTONIO NOE VALENZUELA
Muscatine, Iowa - Antonio N. Valenzuela, 30, passed away on Sunday, February 23, 2020, at his home.
Visitation will be held from 4 until 7 p.m. on Friday, February 28, 2020, at Calvary Church. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the First National Bank of Muscatine for a scholarship fund in Antonio's name. Online condolences: www.wittichfuneralhome.com.
Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 29, 2020, at the church. Reverend Bruce Martin will officiate.
Antonio was born November 10, 1989, in Silvis, Illinois, the son of Ruben Valenzuela Jr. and Edna Peña Valenzuela.
Tonio graduated from Muscatine High School and the University of Iowa School of Education. He was an acclaimed and beloved fifth grade teacher at Grant Elementary School. Antonio received a Belin-Blank Center Educator Honoree from the University of Iowa in 2017.
Antonio was an avid sports and pop culture lover. The excitement of competition and critical thought were the driving forces for him both inside and out of the classroom. He enjoyed spending time with family, especially Lyla.
Those left to honor his memory include his parents, Ruben Valenzuela Jr. and Edna Valenzuela of Muscatine; one brother, Ruben (Rico) Peña of Muscatine; one sister, Mia Peña of Muscatine; one grandmother, Noelia Peña of Uvalde, Texas; paternal grandparents, Ruben and Elsa Valenzuela Sr. of Muscatine; paternal great grandparents, Juan and Ernestina Garcia of Muscatine; several aunts and uncles; and many cousins.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Fred Peña Sr.; and his uncle Freddie Peña Jr.
Tributes
"I did not know Antonio personally, but I can tell from his smile and all of these lovely tributes what a very special and beautiful person, son, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin, and teacher he was. I know he will be missed by all, and will remain in your hearts forever. I am certain that Antonio is in God?s care, and that his memory will live forever in your hearts. I am praying for strength for all who are mourning Antonio?s loss. Much love to all of you, Cammie Koch (Tony, Mimi, Sophie, Amaya, and Miles?s aunt)"
"He was my my student teacher back in 5th grade...I absolutely adored him and loved having to work with him when he first started...he will be missed..?"
"My son Ben was in his class this year. He taught my daughter Rachel two years prior... he was their Favorite teacher!!! We are so deeply saddened and heartbroken. He was a Great teacher!!! He loved his students, no doubt about that. Prayers for his family during this extremely difficult time. He made an impact on the lives of many. -the Kurz family"
"Edna and Family May God continue watch over you An your family during this difficult time.God bless you now an forever ALWAYS. Love you ? The Williams Family. Adriana David Isaiah Aaliyah and Tatiana "
"Our family is deeply saddened about the loss of Tony. The Valenzuela family has been involved with both of our kids and Tony was an important part of our oldest daughter life. Peace for all of the family, students and faculty. Mike, Socorro, Natalia, and Emily."
"One of my favorite memories with Antonio was all the way back in elementary school. He had invited a handful of his friends over to his house for a birthday party. We watched Godzilla and Tiny Soldiers. Played with WWE action figures and had a blast! There were so many fun times throughout our lives together... whether it be parties and tailgates at the University of Iowa, or swimming in my pool during high school Tonio was always so upbeat, and had a personality that literally consumed everyone around him. I can't express how much I am going to miss having him in my life. Edna, Mia, Rico I hope you all know how much Antonio meant to all of us. I know I can speak for all of his friends when I say, PLEASE reach out for anything!"
"Edna and Family, I was saddened to hear of Tonio's passing, my heart hurts for you. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers."
"We are sad and heart broken Antonio is gone; Que Diosito lo tenga en su Santa Gloria. Our condolences and prayers to Ruben, Edna and the whole Valenzuela family. Norberto Ibarra Jr. and Family "
"Dear Edna and family, So very sad over Antonio?s passing. He was a wonderful kid, student and great young teacher. I?ve enjoyed the past 4 years seeing him walking at Discovery Park, competing against my team in Pokémon events, and in general, just being the happy, kind soul that he always was. There is no doubt he is in God?s embrace. So very sorry for your loss. It is everyone?s loss, when such a bright young man leaves us way too soon. God keep you strong. My heart goes out to you. Andrea Wilford "
"Edna and family, I am so sorry for your loss!! My heart is breaking for you all. Gone too soon!! My prayers and love, ~Lori (Naber) DeKeyrel"
"Mr. V, you were an amazing teacher. my favorite teacher. when i first got into your class a couple years back i was so happy. you are in my thoughts aswell as your family. we had lots of amazing moments. it?s so sad your gone and it?s heartbreaking that my favorite teacher has passed. you and your family are in my thoughts and i wish you all the best Love, Bricen Payne"
"Mr. V, you were an amazing teacher. my favorite teacher. when i first got into your class a couple years back i was so happy. you are in my thoughts aswell as your family. we had lots of amazing moments. it?s so sad your gone and it?s heartbreaking that my favorite teacher has passed. you and your family are in my thoughts and i wish you all the best Love, Bricen Payne"
"Edna and Elsa I am so sorry to hear this. We have moved to Florida so I won?t be able to hug you both in person. Please know you are in my thoughts."
"Edna y familia. So sorry for the lost of your beloved son Antonio. We remember him well as a soccer player. RIP Antonio. Que Dios lo reciba con brazos abiertos. Juan y Marta Cadena"
"It was a very very kind person and a great teacher he was always fun to see and fun to be around always giving high fives to all the kids at school will be missed prayers to the family"
"Edna and your family I?m so very sorry for your loss my heart hurts for all of you ?"
"you were such a great teacher i enjoyed talking to you about sports. we will miss you "
"Our hearts are broken at the loss of this kind, loving man. To Tonio's family, I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and our prayers are for you. He was a friend, a teacher, a protector, an encourager. The world was a better place because he was in it. My heart aches for you all. I pray that the Lord will help you find peace and comfort in the days ahead. "
"Grant will never be the same without our beloved Mr. V! Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this sad time. He will be missed by all teachers and students at Grant Elementary. My deepest sympathy for your loss. Sincerely, Lisa, Sam, Kensley, Kaylin, and Kara Paul"
"Sorry for your loss, thoughts and prayers for all"
"I'm so very sorry for your loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers."
"my thoughts and prayers are with all of the Valenzuela family."
"Praying for all. So sad. "
"Edna and Family, Our Condolences to you and the family. No words can express the pain that you are going through and my prayer for you is that God will give you strength to face the coming days ahead. Hugs to you."
"Edna and family, We are so sorry for your loss. He was the best teacher and friend anyone could ask for. Love Lynn, Rich, Hadley, and Hunter"
"Our deepest condolences for the family. Mike,Tara,Alonso & Isaiah Ochoa"
"Edna and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Words cannot express the sorrow the entire community is feeling at the loss of such a wonderful man. All my prayers are with you. Kris LeMaster"