Kurt Charles Schlunegger
7/31/1964 - 2/6/2025
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.
Obituary Provided By:
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