Kurt Charles Schlunegger

of Kerrville, TX

July 31, 1964 - February 6, 2025


  • Obituary
  • Guestbook
Kurt Charles Schlunegger, 60, of Kerrville, TX, passed away on February 6th in Kerrville. He was born in Houston, TX, to Hans and Annemarie Schlunegger on July 31st, 1964.

Kurt attended Tivy High School and later graduated from the University of Houston. He was a Governor of Best Western from 2005 to 2024, a Certified Hotel Administrator, and a dedicated hotel owner and operator. He owned and operated the Inn of the Hills from 1993 to 2006 and served as its General Manager from 2002 to 2008. He later became the owner and operator of Best Western Swiss Clock Inn of Pecos and Best Western Swiss Chalet Hotel & Suites of Pecos from 2008 to 2024. Kurt was also a pilot from 2013 to 2024 and served as the President of the Rotary Club of Pecos from 2019 to 2020.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Kurt lived a life full of adventure and passion. In the early 1990s, he worked as a river raft guide in Vail, CO. He earned his Ski Patrol certification in Ruidoso, NM, in 2017 and participated in triathlons, half marathons, and bike races throughout his life. He developed a love for mountain hiking in 2017 and successfully summited numerous peaks, including Ice Box Mountain in Nevada, Mount Baldy in Southern California, Mount Adams in Washington State, and Hells Canyon in Boise, ID. One of his greatest achievements was hiking Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania in October 2022, reaching 19,500 feet. His final hike took place just a week before his diagnosis, when he climbed San Luis Peak, a 14,000-foot ''14er'' in Creede, CO, alongside his sister Marian and cousin Patrick from Switzerland.

Kurt was a man of boundless adventure, full of life, love, and kindness. He never met a stranger - everyone who crossed his path felt like they had found a lifelong friend. His radiant smile and contagious laughter could light up any room, and he embraced every moment with joy and gratitude. He was patient, forgiving, and walked through life with a Christ-like heart, treating everyone with warmth and acceptance. He had an incredible ability to make people feel seen, valued, and deeply cared for, whether through a kind word, a hearty laugh, or simply his presence. His adventurous spirit was matched only by his love for his family, whom he cherished beyond measure. He was a devoted and loving father, son, brother, and grandfather, always finding time to celebrate life's moments - big and small - with those he loved. His family adored him, and he found his greatest joy in their company, whether traveling to new places, sharing stories, or relaxing by the pool. Kurt had a rare gift for making every person feel like the most important person in the room, and his legacy of love, adventure, and kindness will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Kurt is survived by his parents, Hans and Annemarie Schlunegger; his brother, Ueli (Kelly) Schlunegger; his sister, Marian (Dean) Schlunegger; his daughter, Cindy-Beth (Michael) Holmes; his sons, Austin (Bree) Schlunegger, Hans Schlunegger, and Billy Higginbotham; as well as his beloved grandchildren, Colt, Brenleigh, and Ryder. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life will be announced at a later date by the family. Private services have been entrusted to Grimes Funeral Chapels in Kerrville, TX.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Hill Country Signs of Hope at: Hill Country Signs of Hope Inc., 1322 Harper Road, Kerrville, TX 78028.

Rest in peace, Dad. You were loved more than words can express. Your light will continue to shine in our hearts.

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23 Condolence(s)
Kathy Kenneson
Corinth, ME
Thursday, February 20, 2025

I was introduced to Kurt in 2023;
by my niece, Wendy MacDonald
(Kurt's girlfriend).
He was a gracious host and
made me feel like family!
I am so very proud of Wendy
for the love and support she showed
by Kurt's side till the end. ♥️ Memaw

Sheila MacDonald and Llewellyn MacDonald
Ingram, TX
Thursday, February 20, 2025

Kurt became an integral part of our family. We loved his humor ad love for life. He came into our life through our daughter, Wendy MacDonald who was his longtime girlfriend. He will be missed

Christine & Scott Cassidy
Wesley Chapel, FL
Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Our deepest condolenses. Such a huge loss to everyone who knew Kurt and to his family. I didn't know Kurt well, but what I knew of him was his fun, loving spirit and always willing to help and listen to others. He will be missed by many. I pray the happy memories flood the minds of all those he touched and his family. We are sending our love and best wishes.

Holly Byrd
Kerrville, TX
Saturday, February 15, 2025

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Marian and, especially Ueli, the loss of your little brother must be heart-wrenching. Mr. and Mrs. Schlunegger, the loss of your youngest must be so difficult. You all are such a loving, incredible family and my heart is with you. Sending you peace!

Terry Block
Kerrville, TX
Thursday, February 13, 2025

RIP Kurt. Prayers to family and friends.

Craig and Rosa Terrell
Lawton, OK
Thursday, February 13, 2025

It is with a heavy heart that I missed seeing and spending time with you and your family in the last few years. Kurt, along with Hans, Annamarie, Marianne, Ueli, were the most gracious friends and mentors in my life. Here is to all his family and friends to heal your broken hearts. Rest in peace Kurt!

SUSAN FAGER
KERRVILLE, TX
Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Sending prayers and hugs.

Mary Y Canales
Stephenville, TX
Wednesday, February 12, 2025

I am so sorry for your loss. He could make anyone laugh in tense moments. I will miss his smile. Know that all of you are in my prayers.

Jeanette Fritz Waller
Grapevine, TX
Wednesday, February 12, 2025

My condolences to Hans and Annamarie for whom I worked at Alpine Lodge 50 years ago when I was 20 years of age. I remember Kurt with his curly blonde hair. Always smiling and just a little bit shy. Rest in Peace Kurt. Peace to the family that remains to remember and honor Kurt.

Riva and Aaron Wheeler
Comfort, TX
Tuesday, February 11, 2025

We send our sincerest prayers and condolences to all of Kurt’s family

Lee Ann Risinger Standley
Austin, TX
Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Had Kurt in a class in High School and he was always so sweet; became such a wonderful man. My whole family very fond of him. Kerrville and surrounding communities will be at a loss.

Judy Ashcraft
Kerrville, TX
Tuesday, February 11, 2025

He will be missed. He was very kind to everyone. A joy to have around.
Prayers and hugs to the family.

Hill Country Dental Associates
Kerrville, TX
Monday, February 10, 2025

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Schlunegger family. May you hold tight the memories and know that Kurt is at peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time.

Eric Smith
Kerrville/Rockport, TX
Monday, February 10, 2025

Dear Hans and Annemarie, Ueli, Marianne, Tara and kids.

I am so sorry for your loss. I truly enjoyed knowing Kurt and getting to know you all. I know how Kurt was such a big part of your family and his impact on you all. Know you all are loved and he will be missed.

Eric

Grant Terry
Ingram, TX
Monday, February 10, 2025

I am saddened by your loss, and I lift you up in prayer for peace and comfort during this time.

Darcie Droddy
Lumberton, TX
Sunday, February 9, 2025

I am so sorry for your loss. He always made us smile at the John Deere dealership and was one of the most genuine person I knew. I was always glad to run into him on the dance floor, since he was the best dancer in town. I will be praying for this precious family.

Shelby Braswell Schwing
Kerrville, TX
Sunday, February 9, 2025

Thoughts and prayers for Kurt’s family and friends.

Denise vlasek
Hunt, TX
Saturday, February 8, 2025

Sorry to hear about your loss. Kurt was a wonderful man and blessed with a precious family, He e we I’ll be missed. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Denise vlasek
Hunt, TX
Saturday, February 8, 2025

So sorry to hear about your loss. Kurt was a wonderful man and was blessed with a very precious family you are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

Tracy Lisenby
Kerrville, TX
Saturday, February 8, 2025

RIP, Kurt! Thank you for being such a great friend! You will be SO missed! Prayers to Kurt's family and friends.

Birgit Woodrum
Kerrville, TX
Saturday, February 8, 2025

It is with a heavy heart that we say good bye to a wonderful man who gave us many years of love and laughter

shellie l maples
San Antonio, TX
Friday, February 7, 2025

My sincerest condolences.

Marion Watson
CENTER POINT, TX
Friday, February 7, 2025

To Kurt's family, you are all in my thoughts and prayers. I am very sorry for your loss.