Joann “Jodi” Hall Gunckel, age 89 of Seguin, passed away on August 6, 2026. Jodi was born on April 22, 1937, in San Antonio, Texas to Elena (Vargas) and John Hall.
Jodi was one of the most positive and caring person anyone could know. This was reflected in the more than 40 comments and three shares on her Facebook page. She graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in San Antonio, Texas, in 1955 and was attending San Antonio College when she met Charles Butler, who was serving in the U.S. Air Force. They were married for 15 years before he passed away while serving in Spain, where Jodi and their two children had accompanied him. The family traveled extensively during the period as a military family, joining Charles at bases from the East coast to the West coast, and to his final assignment at a base in Spain. While in Spain Jodi and her family became immersed in the Spanish culture. In 1972, Jodi and her children returned to San Antonio and settled in the MacArthur High School area, where she purchased a home.
While raising her children, Jodi enrolled at San Antonio College and earned an associate degree in 1974. She continued her education at UTSA, earning a bachelor’s degree in 1978 and a master’s degree in education in 1985. She then began a 20-year career as a history teacher at Judson High School. There, she met band director Bill Skelton, whom she married in 1980. Jodi deeply enjoyed her brief time with Bill, attending band concerts and many outings organized by band directors. He passed away five years later, leaving her a widow again. Larry Gunckel was also teaching in the history department at the time. After they had worked together for five years, Larry’s wife passed away. In time, Larry and Jodi’s friendship grew into a relationship, and they married during spring break in 1988. They remained married until Jodi’s passing in 2026. Friends often joked that her full name was Jo Ann Hall Neumann Butler Skelton Gunckel. After retiring, Jodi and Larry purchased an RV and traveled to all 48 contiguous states. They spent much of their time in Tucson, Arizona, where they bought a mobile home in a 50-and-over community. They still maintained residence, first in Bulverde and for the last 20 years in Seguin. They made many friends in these locations, age and difficulty in traveling forced them to stay in Seguin.
Jodi was a devoted Catholic who remained active in her church wherever she lived. About four years ago, health issues prevented her from participating, but her faith stayed strong. As her life neared its end, she remained positive. On the last day she could communicate verbally, although she could no longer speak in complete sentences, she repeated, “It’s OK, it’s OK,” and “I did my best, I did my best.” Yes, you did Jodi and your best was fantastic.
Jodi is preceded in death by her parents, her son David Butler, and her step-sons, Forrest Gunckel and Gary Gunckel.
Survivors include her loving husband of 38 years, Larry Gunckel, daughter Cathi Barnes, stepdaughters Cindy Curnel and husband Avery, Terry Atkinson, sister Helen Reynolds and husband Roy, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other loving family members and friends.
Visitation will begin on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 9 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church in Seguin, with the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 9:30 a.m. followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. with the Reverend Joss Randriamiharimanana officiating. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall.
Private interment will be held at a later date at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.
Memorial Contributions may be made to St. James Catholic Church, 505 Camp St. Seguin, Texas 78155, or the charity of your choice.
You are invited to sign the guest book at www.treshewell.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Tres Hewell Mortuary, 165 Tor Dr., Seguin, Texas, 78155, 830-549-5912.