Valerie Kunz Obituary

Thinking of you today Grandma. It is so hard to believe it has been 7 years since you have been gone. There is so much I wish we could catch up on, but I know you are always with me! Miss your stories, your advice, and your outlook on life!
Love you always, Kelsey

Sorry for your loss. Valerie did a family history of my great Uncle Jentoft Olson. Valerie's mother Agnes was my grandfather Peder Hagen Olson's sister. Wish I had the chance to have talked with her, she sounds like an amazing women

As a former Riversider and classmate of her son Jeff, I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Valerie Kunz. She was always a great friend to me as I was growing up, encouraging me with my artwork and occasionally inviting me to tag along with her as she did interviews for newspaper articles. I remember in particular one interview that she did of a man with a fabulous antique collection at a house in Riverside Lawn in which she asked a newspaper photographer to photograph me painting at my easel on the lawn. She had a good eye for what would make an interesting photo to accompany her descriptive article. Although I was just an inexperienced boy, she always made me feel important. And I have always had the greatest respect and fondness for her family. As an established professional artist, I am grateful for her kindness and generous consideration.

We were saddened to read in the Suburban Life of the passing of your mother. We just loved her. She was always so vivacious and gracious to us. We shared a lot of laughter too. One time, she asked if she could see our newly remodeled bathrooms. After Sandy showed her the results of our efforts, she remarked, "And after all that, you're still married!" Her presence in Riverside and especially on Lawton Road will be missed.
Sandy and Bob DeDera

Im going to miss you so much Grandma. I will always remember the memories and laughs we shared together. You will always serve as a role model for me to follow my dreams. I love you! I hope we meet again.

Miss you so much grandma. I've been thinking about our amazing chats and all the funny stories you've told me over the years. Thanks for showing me it is ok to be different. You were a role model and most importantly one of the few friends I could always count on when times got rough in my life. I especially will remember the way you always lifted my spirits after our long phone talks when I was away at school and lonely. Grandma, you will always hold a special place in my heart and life. Hope to meet again one day

I always enjoyed talking with Valerie in her home. We would great conversations about this and that. She had done an article about my marching in Selma. I so appreciated that.

Erik and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Know that your mom lived a wonderful, full, loving life. You are in my prayers. xo
-Synove

I so very often think back to when I was a kid and stayed with her and uncle Bob, I enjoyed the time working along side her at Baskin Robins store, and then hopping in the red convertible with the top down for the ride home!! I loved the time I spent there, right down to her taking me on my very first train ride through the loop!! I wish I could be there in person to say goodbye, but it just couldn't be, I do sent my thoughts, prayers and hugs to you all, R.I.P Aunt Val, I love you!!

Val will always stand out in my memory for her extreme generosity of spirit. I remember my desperation to attend a Women in Communications banquet downtown; a hero of mine was delivering the keynote, and I couldn't fathom missing it. But the banquet was by invitation only, and being 16, I lacked the network and resources it would take to get in. Val listened patiently and didn't belittle or diminish my ambition. She made one brief phone call; when she hung up she announced, with an air of conspiracy, "You're in!" The invitation arrived days later. Afterward, she interviewed me for her column. Val treated me as an adult, and did so with a gracious kindness that I'll never forget. Erik, you and the rest of your family will be in my thoughts and prayers as I light a candle for this remarkable woman.

Val was a thoughtful friend. I will miss her. - Rosemarie Baloun

A wonderful neighbor and a kind hearted friend. God Bless, Cheryl and Mark Zubor

Valerie was a constant figure in my life as a youth and she was often a gala tablemate of mine. My memories of the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s are filled with stories and escapades of Val in cahoots with my mother, Sandra, and I know they had so much fun together. Val has left an indelible mark on many lives, and on our precious hometown. My condolences to Erik and the rest of the family.

Valerie was my mother's college roommate at UW Madison and they were quite a pair. I loved her style and joie de vivre. She was amazing and lovely. Sandy Hovey Campbell

Val Kunz! Her amazing swag and style! I'll always remember her smile and delicious sense of humor!