News Summary
The San Antonio community is mourning the loss of Valerie Guenther, a devoted advocate for education and civic engagement. With a rich educational background and a passion for enhancing the arts and community service, Valerie’s legacy as a mother, grandmother, and community leader will be cherished. She actively contributed to various organizations and promoted educational opportunities, leaving a lasting impact on her community. A memorial service will be held to honor her life.
San Antonio Community Mourns Loss of Valerie Guenther
San Antonio is grieving the loss of Valerie Guenther, a prominent advocate for education and civic engagement, who passed away recently. Valerie was born on May 23, 1940, and spent her life dedicated to her family, community, and numerous organizations aimed at enhancing education and the arts.
Valerie Guenther was the daughter of Charles Frederick Urschel Jr. and Mary Elizabeth Hails Urschel. After completing her early education at St. Mary’s Hall, she graduated from St. Timothy’s School in Maryland in 1957. She went on to obtain a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 1961 and a Master of Business Administration in Finance in 1963, both from Stanford University. Her education laid the foundation for a life devoted to service and community improvement.
Throughout her life, Valerie cherished her family life. She was married to Jack Egon Guenther, and together they created a nurturing home for their children. Valerie is remembered as a devoted mother to Abigail Guenther Kampmann (married to George), Jack Egon Guenther Jr. (married to Lindsay), and the late Charles Urschel Guenther. She also treasured her role as a grandmother to Camilla Ann, Elizabeth Olive Kampmann, Sloan Drake, and Jack Egon Guenther III.
Valerie was passionate about the arts, nature, and history. Her interests included horseback riding, hunting, fishing, and needlepoint. Additionally, she was known for her sharp intellect, excelling at activities such as crossword puzzles and strategic card games including Bridge and Onze. In her spare time, she devoted herself to genealogical research, ensuring preservation of her family’s legacy and history.
Valerie’s commitment to community service was evident through her significant involvement in various organizations. She was an active member of the San Antonio Genealogical and Historical Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, Colonial Dames, Society of Mayflower Descendants, Junior League of San Antonio, Green Hand Garden Club, and the Charity Ball Association. She co-founded the Texas Biomedical Forum’s Science Education Awards, reinforcing her dedication to promoting scientific discovery and educational opportunities in the community.
In addition to these roles, Valerie honored her uncle, Tom Slick Jr., by continuing his legacy in advancing medical and scientific innovation. She was recognized for her vibrant community spirit when named Duchess of Prismatic Snowflakes by the Order of the Alamo. Valerie also served on boards for several organizations, including the San Antonio Zoo, Briscoe Western Art Museum, San Antonio Botanical Center, and Sonterra Country Club and held memberships at Club Giraud, The Argyle, and the San Antonio Country Club.
Valerie is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren, sisters Wendy Larsen and Margaret Urschel, along with numerous friends and family. She was preceded in death by her parents and her son, Charles Urschel Guenther.
Known for her generosity, intellectual spirit, and knack for making others feel valued, Valerie will be fondly remembered by those whose lives she touched. Together with her husband, she supported numerous nonprofits, including the Briscoe Western Art Museum and the San Antonio Zoo.
A memorial service to honor Valerie Guenther’s life is scheduled for June 26, 2025. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in celebration of her memory to the Briscoe Western Art Museum or the San Antonio Zoo.
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Additional Resources
- Legacy: Valerie Guenther Obituary
- San Antonio Magazine: Out & About
- KENS 5: San Antonio Zoo Goes Cashless
- San Antonio Express-News: Andy Warhol Exhibition
- CultureMap: San Antonio Zoo Cashless Policy
- Wikipedia: San Antonio Zoo
- Google Search: Valerie Guenther
- Google Scholar: Valerie Guenther
- Encyclopedia Britannica: San Antonio
- Google News: Valerie Guenther
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
