Denise Salles Kirschenlohr, 46, died July 9 in Austin. Locals will remember Denise as the vibrant and feisty presence in the front of the house at Jean-Luc’s French Bistro, the restaurant she operated with her first husband, chef Jean-Luc Salles, from 1995 until 2001. One of Denise’s most passionate projects was organizing the annual fall fundraiser for the all-volunteer nonprofit Green Corn Project – those financially successful annual tasting events on the grounds of Boggy Creek Farm were her pride and joy. In a fitting tribute, the Green Corn board of directors will dedicate this October’s party to her memory. In recent years, Denise worked diligently to achieve certification as a Pilates instructor, and she was considering opening a Pilates studio in Fredericksburg at the time of her death. Though their lives ultimately moved in different directions, her split from Jean-Luc was amicable, and he grieves her loss along with her many friends. Denise is survived by her second husband, Michael Kirschenlohr; her parents, Ellen and Mike Koehne of Fredericksburg; and brothers, David and Doug Koehne and their families. A celebration of Denise’s life was held earlier this week at Boggy Creek Farm. The family suggests memorials to the Green Corn Project (www.greencornproject.org) in her honor.
This article appears in July 18 • 2008.