Stanley Tyler Kunath passed away on July 13, 2024.  He was born on April 27, 1963 to Anne Robinson Kunath and Donald Walter Kunath.  He is survived by his daughter, Marigrace Kunath, and siblings Robin (Stockman) Wells, Bonnie (Stockman) Strickland, Cindy (Stockman) Travers, and John Kunath.

Stan was always a creative individual with artistic abilities and ideas.  As a child, he was a gifted athlete who loved baseball and a passionate musician who enjoyed wailing away on his trombone. While still in high school Stanley started working at Mama's Café in San Antonio.  The restaurant business instilled in him a passion for food, especially preparing it. For him, it was an art and a love of creation.   In his early career he worked his way through the ranks, working 10-15 hour days and nights for local restaurants, earning a stellar reputation for his chef's skillset.

In his early career he apprenticed with many of San Antonio's high-profile chefs and honed his creative abilities while learning the business.  His knack for sauces and soups was his signature specialty.  He could "out-sauce" any chef with his world-class Hollandaise sauce and Stan was credited with having the best flan San Antonio. Stan was a perfectionist when it came to his creations in the kitchen and would not hesitate to throw out sauces if they did not live up to his expectations.  Among Stan's most prized possessions were his professional chef knives and his skills when using them.  He could filet a fish with ease and bias cut with speed.  Stan's technical, artistic, and leadership skills led him to his roles as Chef at Beto's, Banquet Chef at the Plaza Hotel, Chef and Purchasing Director at RoseMary's Catering.  He most recently worked at MaryAnn's Pig Stand and Sam's Burger Joint.

His stamina in the kitchen was herculean, sometimes to his own detriment. He was fast and calm on the line during the "rush". He had a great sense of humor and helped relieve the stress in the kitchen with his funny banter.  Stan would go out of his way to help a colleague in the kitchen, always ready with a joke to lighten the mood or a helping hand when needed.  He was lovingly referred to as Work Dog, Stan the Man, or Sweet Stan.

In 2024 Stan was diagnosed with throat cancer, and the positive and courageous way he faced his illness was an inspiration to those he knew. He used his sense of humor and love of music to lighten the mood when the going got tough.

Our thanks to the many remarkable people at University Hospital, UT Health, and Hope Transportation for their essential roles in Stan's life during his last few months.  He will be forever in our hearts as he cruises fast and free, likely in a Dallas Cowboy blue vintage Pontiac GTO.

MEMORIAL SERVICE

Sunday, August 11, 2024

An Informal Memorial Service will be held at

Sam's Burger Joint

330 E Grayson St in San Antonio, TX

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

As Stan was rarely seen without a baseball cap, we invite everyone to dress informally,

consider wearing your favorite cap, or T shirt and share your favorite memories.