Vernon Charles Friesenhahn

Vernon Charles Friesenhahn, 84, passed away at home on February 7, 2022, in San Antonio, Texas. Vernon Charles was born in San Antonio, Texas, to Joseph and Emma Friesenhahn on January 21, 1938. He went to elementary school at St. Mary Magdalen School, high school at Central Catholic High School, then received his Bachelor of Business Administration from Saint Marys University in 1964 and Master of Business Administration from Saint Marys University in 1969. He met his wife, Dr. Kathleen Daniel, through a blind date, with a warning that Vernon may be fun and willing to spend on a date but not marriage material. Thankfully how wrong that advice turned out to be. He married Kathleen Daniel on March 25, 1972, in a simple backyard ceremony in a house just around the corner of where the couple would eventually design and build their forever home in 1993.

Over the course of his career, Vernon distinguished himself through a wide variety of successful entrepreneurial and investment projects. While studying for his MBA, he completed a thesis analyzing common stocks. He continued his research into stock investment after graduation, and his interest helped inspire the formation of the successful stock brokerage firm Carr Friesenhahn with Selig Carr in 1973, which he continued until 2003. Vernon and Kathy enjoyed traveling, and he developed an interest in wine tasting and production. In the mid-1980s, Vernon began touring wineries in Bordeaux and Burgundy with his family, researching how to make traditional French wine. One of his favorite stories was the personal tour he and his wife received at Chateau Cheval Blanc with a copy of Robert Parkers Wine Advocate in hand, only to be treated to the winemaker opening a rare bottle of 1947 Bordeaux. Vernon would laugh when retelling the story and say he really tried to talk him out of opening such a rare vintage, but in the end, the winemaker said the wine reminded him of his father, so they raised a glass, toasting the winemakers father over some extraordinary wine. At a time when few in Texas considered making wine, Vernons family did not quite believe him that he was serious about starting a winery until the 1,500 gallon stainless steel tanks came in to Sisterdale. Kathy quipped, "I cant use those as planters." His new enterprise, Sister Creek Vineyards, began production in 1988. Vernons leadership, grit, and sheer optimism was instrumental in creating a success which has won countless medals in national wine competitions over the subsequent decades. He was also one of the founding members of the Texas Hill Country Wineries Association. In addition to creating a successful stock brokerage and winery, Vernon enjoyed real estate and raw dirt. Constantly on the search for the next real estate investment, he had a sixth sense for buying land but never bought a piece of property without extensive market research and taught his children the importance of walking a piece of property.

In addition to his professional achievements, he was a loving and fiercely loyal spouse, father, and grandfather. He supported his children in any endeavor and was always the first person to encourage and give praise. He even started the San Antonio Chess School so that his kids would have a more convenient place to practice for tournaments. While always there for his children, first and foremost he was always there for Kathy. As he liked to say, he was a success because of her and the support and comfort of their marriage. He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren but was happiest when with Kathy. Vernon enjoyed the outdoors, especially skiing, biking, and hiking. His family is grateful for time spent together on vacations, museum tours, trips to Colorado, and more recently hikes in many Texas state parks. While he never actually retired, he had investment help in the last few years, enabling Kathy and him to go on some amazing vacations and cruises, most recently to Australia and New Zealand prior to the pandemic. Vernon was also extremely active in his grandchildrens lives. Immediately at the hospital to meet each of his three granddaughters, he helped be a third parent picking up his granddaughters from preschool and hosting slumber parties at Papas and Grandmas. He could spoil his grandchildren with the best of them. They will miss giving him high fives goodbye.

Vernon Friesenhahn is preceded in death by his father Joseph Friesenhahn and mother Emma Gleitz Friesenhahn. Vernon Friesenhahn is survived by his spouse of 50 years, Kathleen Friesenhahn; son, Joseph Vernon Friesenhahn; daughter, Jessica Friesenhahn Lombardi, and spouse Christopher Lombardi; grandchildren, Caitlin, Camille and Charlotte Lombardi; sister, Charlene Wimer; and brother, Joseph Friesenhahn.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the San Antonio Humane Society, as Vernon cared deeply for his numerous cats and dogs that he and his wife had over the course of their marriage. On multiple occasions, he would stop to rescue an abandoned cat or dog on the side of a Texas highway. He also supported The University of Texas MD Anderson, Houston. The Friesenhahn family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Tyler, Dr. Zeballos and Dr. DeWitt. His doctors listened and were fierce advocates for his health and gave the family precious extra time. His children would like to thank Dad for giving them the means to an education and independence. Much more importantly, Dad taught them loyalty and unconditional love. His wife would like to thank Vernon for an amazing life, love and equal partnership.

A memorial to celebrate Vernons bountiful life will be held in Sisterdale, Texas. Please email his daughter at [email protected] if you wish to be included in our tribute to a fine, loving man. We appreciate your kind words and know Vernon would as well. We cannot express our immense thanks for the joy he brought into our lives.