MICHAEL RAYMOND VALENZUELA

MICHAEL RAYMOND VALENZUELA, a resident of Tunica, Mississippi and husband of the former Margie Markle of Somerville died at 9:18 P.M. Tuesday, April 7, 2009 at the St. Francis Hospital in Memphis where he had been a patient for thirteen days. He was 58 years of age and died following an extended illness.

A Celebration Of Life Service was held for Mr. Valenzuela at 11 a.m. Monday, April 13th at the Arkabutla Lake in Mississippi. Special remarks and reflections were given by family members and friends. Interment was private and arrangements were provided by Peebles Fayette County Funeral Homes-Main Chapel of Somerville.

Mr. Valenzuela was born April 26, 1950 in Saint Paul Minnesota the son of Alyne Kutz Valenzuela and the late Fernando Valenzuela. He was educated in the Minnesota Public School System and was a resident of the Saint Paul/Minneapolis areas before moving to Tunica thirteen years ago.

Mr. Valenzuela enjoyed a longtime career with the gaming industry serving as a surveillance and security officer in Minnesota and in Tunica. Because of his expertise and experience he was selected as an initial employee for the opening of the Grand Casino in Tunica and was employed by Resorts International at the time of his death.

A Catholic and people person who enjoyed the friendships of many, Mr. Valenzuela was a proud American who loved his country and displayed the colors of red, white and blue in his home, clothing and personal belongings. He had a special love for activities that he and his family enjoyed at Arkabutla Lake in Tate County, Mississippi.

He is survived by his wife, Margie Markle Valenzuela whom he married August 8, 2008; two daughters, Tammy Kmetz of Minnesota and Erin Valenzuela of Nebraska; his son, Michael Valenzuela, Jr. of Nebraska; his mother, Alyne Kutz Valenzuela of Saint Paul, Minnesota; two sisters, Cheri McDonough, Virginia Killeen and Lisa Stewart, all of Minnesota and two grandchildren, Trinity and Seleah.

The family requests that memorials be directed to the charity or organization of the donor's choice.