Forrest Wayne Gunckel, 68, of Seguin, Texas, lost his battle with cancer on September 17, 2023. He passed away peacefully surrounded by family. Forrest expressed his love for his family and said, “Ive had a good run and I’m going to see my buddies.”
Forrest was born on February 2, 1955 at the former Gary AFB in San Marcos, Texas, to Shirley Rose Schultz Gunckel (daughter of August (Pat) and Rosa Schultz), and Larry Wayne Gunckel. He spent most of his childhood years at his father’s military assignments, settling in Seguin, Texas upon his father’s retirement from the Air Force.
Forrest attended Seguin High School, working part-time for the Koehler Company. After high school, as a full-time employee, he quickly acquired cabinet making skills and demonstrated that he was a talented craftsman. In his early 20’s, Forrest decided to start his own business and went on to have a successful career as the owner of Gunckel Architectural Millworks. As the business grew, he acquired a warehouse at the company’s current location on West Kingsbury Street. He set it up with state-of-the-art equipment and began to take on large commercial projects. With a passion for woodwork, he dedicated countless hours to perfecting his craft and becoming a successful entrepreneur. His dedication and expertise in his field were highly regarded by his colleagues and clients.
Even though business was his primary interest throughout his life, Forrest still found time for other pursuits and had a passion for golf, fishing, gardening and cooking, with a special talent for barbecuing. Forrest’s dream was to retire in Rockport, where he could fish to his heart’s content. It is there that his final resting place will be, with his ashes to be scattered at sea.
Forrest had a vibrant personality and was especially known for his wit and sense of humor. He had a special bond with his dog, Jax, who brought him immense joy and companionship. Forrest will be deeply missed by his loving daughter, Linsey Amstead; son-in-law, Brent Amstead; and grandkids Kylee and Asher. He leaves behind his father, Larry Gunckel; and stepmother, Jodi Gunckel; sisters, Cindy and husband Avery Curnel, Terry Atkinson and partner Jim Roe; and stepsister, Cathi Barnes. He is preceded by his mother, Shirley Gunckel; and brother, Gary Gunckel.
A Celebration of Life service will be held to honor and remember Forrest’s life on October 28th at 12 p.m. a Faith Lutheran Church, 1326 E. Cedar St. in Seguin, Texas. In lieu of floweres, the family request that memorial tributes be made in the form of charitable donations to the American Cancer Society.