Kurt Edward Wanke

Kurt E. Wanke, 61, of Helotes, Texas, passed away on November 6, 2026, following a battle with cancer. He was born on February 24, 1965, in San Antonio, Texas, to Carl 0. Wanke and the late Saundra L. Giana-Borcherding.

On June 17, 1995, Kurt married the love of his life, Jackie, and together they shared 31 years of marriage. He devoted 21 years of his career to the multifamily industry, where his steady work ethic and dependability earned him lasting respect. Yet his greatest pride was his family. He raised his two daughters, Alexis and Courtney, to be independent and strong, and they carry those qualities forward as a testament to him. In September 2026, Kurt welcomed his first grandson, Nathan, and he was blessed with the chance to hold and feed him, a joy he cherished deeply.

To those who knew him only in passing, Kurt could appear stern, firm, and occasionally grumpy. Those closest to him knew him as fair, loyal, and generous of heart. He rarely called on others or asked for help, but he was always the first to arrive when someone else needed it.

Kurt found peace outdoors, whether _hunting, fishing, or target shooting. He had an inventive mind and loved to tinker, developing a fish gauge to measure a catch and a road feeder for UTVs. He enjoyed a cold Keystone beer and took great delight in teaching his nephew, niece, and great-nephew how to shoot the bird.

He gave generously of his time to young people in his community. Kurt supported 4-H and FFA students and their projects, assisted with Barn Buddies for children with special needs, and helped introduce students at Helotes Elementary to agricultural animals, sharing his love of the land with the next generation.

Kurt is survived by his wife, Jackie Schade-Wanke; his daughters, Alexis D. Wanke-Mendez and Courtney R. Wanke; his grandson, Nathan G. Mendez; his father, Carl 0. Wanke; his brother, Karl J. Wanke; his aunt, Renee Y. Ancira; his nephew, Karl K. Wanke; and his niece, Katlin K. Chisholm, great-nephew Lane J. Chisholm and great-niece Poppy K. Wanke. He was preceded in death by his mother, Saundra L. Giana-Borcherding.

Kurt will be remembered for his quiet strength, his steadfast devotion to family, and his willingness to help anyone in need. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.