Gary Martin Guenzel

Gary Martin
Guenzel
LAGUNA VISTA, TX. - On July 2, 2013 Gary Martin Guenzel passed away quietly at his residence in Laguna Vista.
Gary was born August 12, 1953, in San Benito, Texas, to Lawrence "Lefty" Guenzel and Colleen Dawson Guenzel.
Gary graduated from Harlingen High School in 1971. He worked for his father at Guenzel Metal Products and then went on to work in Mexico at Casa Blanca a premier fly fishing lodge in Quintanaroo. After two years Gary headed out to the open waters of the Pacific and Caribbean to work on the sport fishing boat Heldter Skelter, where he was instrumental in breaking many blue marlin world records. Gary returned home to reinvent his family's business and opened warehouse office buildings located at Guenzel Metal Products location in Harlingen. He met his wife Roxanne in 2000 and they married August 4, 2004 on the sport fishing boat Contigo, at South Padre Island.
Gary was from Harlingen but grew up on South Padre Island at his family beach house bayside on Mars Street. In his youth he was an active surfer on SPI and surfed in Mexico, California and Hawaii. Gary grew up with a fishing rod in his hand and his passion for fishing never ended. His fishing philosophy was "Think like a fish". He was known for his expertise in snook fishing.
Gary never knew a stranger. He enjoyed getting to know people and he was a kind and generous person, 100% a giver, never a taker. Everyone who knew him would say he is a great storyteller. Gary lived a big and adventurous life. He had a passion for white wing and quail hunting and enjoyed many exciting hunts in Mexico at Rancho Carachol with his friends the Putegnats. He knew well the South Texas farming and ranching community from his days in metal fabrication. He loved driving around the Funk Ranch at the Arroyo owned by his longtime friend Jerry Funk.
G.G. is survived by his wife and partner Roxanne Guenzel, mother Colleen Guenzel, daughter Meagan Guenzel, grandson Grant Guenzel Farris and his beloved dog BeBe.
He was preceded in death by his father, Lefty and his brother Gordon.
A Memorial Service will be held, July 11, 2013, 2:00 p.m., at Chapel by the Sea, Friends will gather at Louie's Backyard following the service to celebrate Gary's life.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of longtime friend Aly Besteiro of Delta Funeral Directors.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made to: SPI Birding & Nature Center, 6801 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island, TX 78597.
Under the direction of Delta Funeral Directors, family owned and operated, 956-542-2222.
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