Walter (Wally) was born on March 5, 1941 in Washington, D.C., to Myrtle Colby Kuhnel and Ernest E. Kuhnel. Wally attended grade school at Mount Sacred Heart in San Antonio and graduated from Central Catholic High School in San Antonio. He received a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana and later went on to earn a Master’s degree from Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, Texas.
In 1963, Wally accepted a position with LTV in Grand Prairie, Texas. He continued working there for nearly 25 years in positions of increasing responsibility. His career ended early after a major stroke. Always ready for a challenge, Wally recovered from what was supposed to be a completely debilitating disability, to become a bicyclist and professional photographer.
In recent years, he became ill with a rare form of cancer, to which, once again, he rose to the challenge to overcome by combining traditional medicine with naturopath remedies of which became his passion.
He was a lifelong Catholic and a member of St. Ignatius Martyr Church in Austin, where he served in several capacities such as a Eucharistic Minister.
Wally was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Myrtle and Ernest Kuhnel.
Survivors include his loving sons: Walter Sanford Kuhnel and wife, Lauren; Christian David Kuhnel; and Kevin Colby Kuhnel and wife, Carolyn. Grandchildren: Jeff Welsh, Colby Kuhnel. Ethan Kuhnel and Rachel Kuhnel; as well as his long-time companion and dear friend, Lisa Turner.
A Funeral Mass will be held on December 22, 2018 9:00 a.m. at St. Ignatius Martyr Church, 126 W. Oltorf, Austin, TX 78704 followed by a graveside service later that day at 3:00 p.m. at Glenwood Cemetery 2525 Washington Ave. Houston Texas.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Ignatius Catholic Church.
