Valerie Urschel Guenther

Born in San Antonio on May 23, 1940, to Charles Frederick Urschel Jr. and Mary Elizabeth Hails Urschel, Valerie was a lifelong scholar. She attended St. Mary’s Hall and graduated from St. Timothy’s School in Maryland in 1957. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 1961 and a Master of Business Administration in Finance in 1963, both from Stanford University.

Valerie married the love of her life, Jack Egon Guenther, and together they built a home filled with love, joy, and shared purpose. She was a devoted mother to Abigail Guenther Kampmann (George), Jack Egon Guenther Jr. (Lindsay), and the late Charles Urschel Guenther. She was a beloved grandmother to Camilla Ann and Elizabeth Olive Kampmann, and Sloan Drake and Jack Egon Guenther III.

Valerie had a deep appreciation for the arts, nature, and history. Her hobbies included horseback riding, hunting, and fishing, as well as needlepoint, where her craftsmanship reflected her patience and artistry. A daily master of crossword puzzles, she was also a keen card player, especially enjoying Onze and Bridge, renowned for her strategic thinking and lively spirit. Her passion for genealogical research was more than a pastime—it reflected her dedication to preserving family legacy and history with accuracy and reverence.

Valerie was active in numerous organizations, including 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 Charity Ball Association. She was a founder of the Texas Biomedical Forum’s Science Education Awards, a testament to her dedication to fostering scientific discovery and education, inspired by her uncle, Tom Slick Jr., who established the Texas Biomedical Research Institute. Her commitment to this cause honored his legacy of advancing medical and scientific innovation. She was also honored as Duchess of Prismatic Snowflakes by the Order of the Alamo, reflecting her vibrant community spirit. Her civic commitment extended to board service for the San Antonio Zoo, Briscoe Western Art Museum, San Antonio Botanical Center, and Sonterra Country Club. She held memberships in Club Giraud, The Argyle, and the San Antonio Country Club.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Charles Urschel Guenther; her in-laws, Egon Erwin and Camilla Mallepell Guenther; sisters-in-law, Theresa Guenther and Camilla Patricia (Patsy) Warncke; and stepmother-in-law, Anita (Dickie) Kunz Guenther.

Valerie is survived by her loving husband, Jack Egon Guenther; her children, Abigail Guenther Kampmann (George) and Jack Egon Guenther Jr. (Lindsay); her grandchildren, Camilla Ann and Elizabeth Olive Kampmann, and Sloan Drake and Jack Egon Guenther III; her sisters, Wendy Larsen and Margaret Urschel; her nieces and nephews; and many cherished friends and extended family members.

Valerie will be remembered for her extraordinary generosity, insightful intellect, and the way she made others feel valued. With her husband Jack, she was a benefactor to numerous nonprofits, notably the Briscoe Western Art Museum and the San Antonio Zoo. Her contributions to community, culture, and family leave an indelible mark.

Valerie Guenther lived a full and meaningful life, and her legacy will live on in those she loved and inspired.

Honorary Pallbearers: Tuesday Bridge Club (Jerre Adams, Rose Marie Banack, Linda Hammond, Marcia Harris, Sally Juvenal and Pat Orme)

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Valerie’s memory to the Briscoe Western Art Museum or San Antonio Zoo. A memorial service to honor her life will be held on June 26, 2025. For further information, please contact Porter Loring Mortuaries at 210-227-8221 or email [email protected]