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Willie Kocurek Obituary

Willie Kocurek, a colorful and tireless Austin civic icon, died early this morning of natural causes at the Westminster Manor retirement community where he has lived in recent years. He was 98. Kocurek became well known to generations of Austinites as the high-profile owner of a service station and appliance store, the Willie Kocurek Co., which his family ran from 1933 to 1977. His slogans "Where there's a Willie, there's a way" and "You don't need money, just a little bit a month," as well as hand-drawn Mr. K. newspaper ads, led him to be called one of the most visible and often-quoted men in town. His extensive volunteer work, which he continued for most of his life, led him to be one of the most popular speakers and community leaders in the city. Kocurek was a member of the Austin school district's board from 1946 to 1954, the last four years as president. In 1986 the Austin school board named a Southwest Austin elementary school after Kocurek. Kocurek enrolled at the University of Texas School of Law when he was 67 and became a lawyer at age 70. He had gone to law school in 1943 but his work schedule and service in the Navy during World World II interrupted his studies. He set up his law office on Guadalupe Street where he specialized in wills and probate. When Kocurek and his son Neal, who died in 2004, were named Austinites of the Year in 1989, Pike Powers, then president of the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, said, "Willie and Neal are positive proof that single individuals can make a supreme difference in the community." J.P. Kirksey, past president of the Austin Founders Lions Club, a group Kocurek belonged to since 1939, once told the American-Statesman: "He gave an unselfish sharing of himself," In 1995 Kocurek summed it up this way: "I keep as busy as the proverbial cranberry merchant whose cart overturned on Broadway and he's got to pick up all the berries." Staying active, he said, "is the thing that keeps the juices flowing. Being busy and occupied, you don't have time for those dreadful thoughts," he said. "I came with a gallon of Adrenalin. At age 84, I've only used three quarts." Kocurek is survived by his wife Maurine ; daughter Kay Bell of Austin; and grandchildren Jeffrey Kocurek and Kelly Kocurek of Austin and Suzanne Kocurek Rose of Houston. A memorial service is planned for 2 p.m. Sunday at Weed-Corley-Fish funeral home a 3125 N. Lamar Boulevard. A reception will follow at the Westminster Manor reception hall, 4100 Jackson Avenue, Austin.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Austin American-Statesman from Jan. 1 to Jan. 12, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Willie Kocurek

58 Entries

Jennifer Draper

January 26, 2017

I was a student of Kocurek Elementary back in the early 2000s. I remember going to a School Christmas Event and seeing Mr.Kocurek, I remember thinking how awesome it was to see a famous person in real life! My favorite memory of Mr.Kocurek will always be his wonderful bow tie. Sending pracers to the family and appreciation for sharing him with us for so many enjoyable years. Thank you!

Kristan Cobb

August 9, 2013

I went to Kocurek Elementary and I remember him so well. He was such a lovely man. My condolences to his family.

Edwin J. Knesek IV

January 11, 2009

I remeber going to Kocrek elementary school for the from kindergarden to the second grade. I remember bieng at an assembly and getting to sing "willie i. kocurek and his red bow tie", while wearing one made out of paper. Though i know the song is by Glenn Miller and is called "In the Modd" it will always be willie i kocurek and his red bowtie to me. My grannie told me that some of his ancestors are burried in the same cemetary as my own grandfather and his family. I will always remember shaking his hand and will always remember the school named after him.

Carolyn Cobb

January 11, 2009

Willie Kocurek was such a cheery person. My dad, Edward Swerk, introduced me to him when Central Distributing was in business in Austin. His gifts to the world were enormous.

Brenda Saxon

January 8, 2009

The citizens of Austin were blessed by Willie being such a vital and robust part of life here. He never met a stranger and made each and every person he encountered feel special. He will be missed, but I do believe his legacy lives on. Thanks to his child bride, Maurine, for sharing him with the world.

E. G. (Glen) Vorwerk

January 8, 2009

I wish to express my sympathies to Willie's family. I knew him back when he had his service station. I served with him on committees. Due to him, I spent several years with the South Austin Civic Club. I believe many of us aspired to be the type of true professional and citizen that Willie represented in his daily life. My wife and I have enjoyed knowing Willie and his wife and appreciate all they have represented as a couple as well. Were there only more like him.....

S Silver

January 7, 2009

Mr remeberance of Willie Kocurek. Back many years ago when I was a freshman at UT, I felt older and differant than most as I had a toddler, and had started school four years after most freshmans. I felt immediately better when I saw Mr. Kocurek sitting in the classroom as obviously he too was not the "normal" student. I asked him, "Just curious, why are you going back to school" He actually said to me, "I sold my appliance store, retired and have the financial means to follow my dreams. I am 70 years old now and I will be 75 in five years whether I become a lawyer or not. This made sense to me and that has been one of my most significant life encounter. I have since have adapted that philosphy and do not allow age to prevent me from continuing to follow my dreams.

Thank you Mr. Kocurek and may you rest in piece. S. Silver

Laela Barron (4th grade)

January 6, 2009

Willie when I was in Kindergarten at Kocurek I remember taking a picture with you. I loved your red bow ties. I will miss you.

Jerome Eichhorn

January 5, 2009

Willie and I were classmates at UT School of Law, and later shared a storefront office where we served any client who walked in the door.
Bruce Young was the third member of this terrible triumvirate. We were older, but full of love for the law, and we tried to make every client feel cherished. Willie was the driving force behind this, because of his deep respect for every human being. A latin term used by older lawyers is "sui generis" or
"One of a kind". I will miss you
deeply, my friend, for you were truly "one of a kind".

Jerry Eichhorn, Colonel, USAF, Retired, UT Class of 1980

martin kellahan

January 5, 2009

Please email me more info immediately! [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] to do so. Thanks! :)

jean crawford

January 5, 2009

Maurine, We will miss Willie so much and everything good that he stood for. My parents, John and Vera Crawford loved you too dearly. Willie left a memory in this area that we could all learn to live by and strive for. God Bless all of you , he will be missed by so many.

Ed & Pat Kocurek

January 5, 2009

Willie will always live in our hearts and his good deeds will continue for generations. Our sympathy to all the family.

Lori Berron

January 5, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with your family, Willie did so much in his life, and my kids attend Kocurek and were very happy to be a part of the Willie Day celebration of his birthday! He will be missed and was a huge part in everyones lives!

The Berron Family

Dorothy Callahan

January 4, 2009

My thoughts and wishes to Willie's wonderful family. He was such an awesome person and inspiration. He will live on the hearts and minds of those who loved and knew him. Rest in Peace, Willie.

victoria skiff

January 4, 2009

Willie I Kocurek was a hero!You will be dearly missed by all of the kids that attened Kocurek,which I was one of them and so was my brother.I still have all of the sweet and amazing memories!Never will be forgotten Willie

Jeff H

January 4, 2009

What a wonderful person! I always enjoyed seeing and talking to him. What an inspiration he was. I plan to think of him as often as I can so that day will be the best it can be. Loved his bow ties.

Patty Gideon Sloan

January 4, 2009

Dear Maurine, You and Willie are two of the marvelous group of people, including my parents, Sim and Gladys Gideon, and my stepmother, Olga Bredt Gideon, who created the Austin in which I and so many fortunate young people grew up. Austin's reputation as the place "everyone" wanted to live was built by the dedication and hard work of this wonderful generation of parents and public servants, with Willie often leading the way. Thank you for all the ways you made the foundations of my life so sturdy and uplifting and for your long and dear friendship with my family. With grateful love, Patty Gideon Sloan, Bellaire, TX

Robin Covey Pharm.D.

January 4, 2009

You will be missed dearly.
Kocurek Alumni 1989-1993

Robin Loving Rowland

January 4, 2009

Willie often said to those he encountered, “You’re one of the great ones!” In these moments, the sincerity and enthusiasm of the sage almost always prompted a quick personal moral inventory to find some piece of greatness within so that one could aid Willie with his cause of the moment. It’s now our turn to bring out the greatness in others in order to ensure a better community for all.

Robin Loving Rowland
San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico 37710
925-418-8003 – US
[email protected]

Charles and Janis Penick

January 4, 2009

Maurine, I was saddened to hear of your loss of Willie.He was a wonderful, inspirational man who was an icon in Austin. We are in Hawaii and will not be able to attend his funeral but our thoughts and prayers will be with you.

Harry Meyers

January 4, 2009

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

The Smith Family

January 4, 2009

Everyone who ever met Mr. K loved him.
He was a true gentleman and an icon of Old Austin.
His advertising slogan "Where there's a Willie, there's a way" never failed to bring a smile to my family when we saw his ads on TV.

And who could forget his trademark bow tie?

We join the many people in Austin who have fond memories of Mr. Kocurek.

katherine garcia

January 3, 2009

I have 3 girls that have attended and 2 of which are still attending kocurek elementary adn they as well asmyself were greatly saddened when they heard teh bad news. every year my girls looked forward to willies birthday, they enjoyed every moment they got to visit with him and our hearst go out to his wonderful family and we prayr for them every day

JOYCE/JACK MARONEY

January 3, 2009

JACK AND I WISH TO SEND LOVE TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY .HE WAS A BEAUTIFUL MAN,JACK REMEMBERS THEIR TRIP AS GUESTS OF THE NAVY TO THE USS AMERICA, BACK IN THE MID 1990'S. HE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL WHO KNEW HIM AND THOSE WHO KNEW 'OF HIM'
JOYCE AND JACK MARONEY

Joanna Purkeypile

January 3, 2009

Jeff, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of mourning for your sweet grandfather..please give my love to your dear grandmother..love, Joanna Purkeypile

Heather & Lee Cooke

January 3, 2009

Willie left a legacy that very few people leave in a large city in modern times. With Czech values from Lee County, his reach and families reach into civic, religious, business, political and education efforts for Austin and Travis County are very hard to match. The Kocurek name is on buildings and schools, but like Willie and his family, it was deeply embedded in the hearts and minds of so many Austinites he touched over his 75 years of activity for a better hometown. What a role model for all who live in this great city, a city with 'where there was a Willie, there was a way". God Bless Maurine, Kay and family, Kelly and Julie and all the grandkids and great grand children in this time to celebrate 98 years of Willie.

Paul S.

January 2, 2009

It seems so seldom today that you meet a person who truly touches your heart and soul as Mr. Willie Kocurek did so many. He had a way of leaving an indelible mark on your life, a truly positive one. I was blessed and honored to know him and his family over the years and am so thankful for that. He was a HUGE factor in my life and I will (as many will) miss him very much. Often it seems too that when a person asks how you are, they are doing it more out of "Habit" and may not really want to know, or take the time to find out. With Willie, you knew, deep down inside that he truly cared. "They don't make them like that anymore" God broke the mold when he created "Mr. K"

He had a way of making everyone he met feel important and special. I remember calling him one day and as soon as he heard my voice he said "Oh, I'm so glad you called, hearing from you is like receiving money from home!", like I said he had a way of making you feel "Special". He lived the saying, "A stranger is just a friend you have not met yet!"

My thoughts and prayers are with "Mrs. K" and the entire Kocurek family.... Austin and the world has lost a true gentlman and civic icon.... You can bet he is sitting with the good Lord now with that infectious smile and feeling like the Willie I. Kocurek we all remember!

Karen O'Quin

January 2, 2009

I always enjoyed visiting with Willie at Westminster Manor when my mother was living there. He always had a warm greeting for everyone entering the dining room and he was very sweet to my granddaughter. As an employee of the Texas School for the Blind, I appreciate very much his work with the Lions Club. Willie did so much for Austin and helped make it the special place it is. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Don Rau

January 2, 2009

I grew up hearing Mr. Kocurek saying .You dont need money just a little bit a month.I used that saying in my business every day.Thank you Mr Kocureck. God Bless

Leslie Hawkins

January 2, 2009

I have taught at Kocurek Elementary for 20 years and was just as excited as the kids when Willie and Maurine would visit the school. He had a way of making everyone feel like they were the most important person in the room. I will never forget when my grandfather "Hawk" attended Willie Day. I introduced him to my students and one said, with great awe, "Your grandfather's Mr. Kocurek?!?" Many of us felt the same awe at such a wonderful and inspiring man, and family. I'm sure St. Peter was wearing a red bow tie when Willie arrived, and when he said "Good to see you, Willie", well, Willie answered back "It's good to be seen!" We will miss you, Willie.

Judith O'Neil

January 2, 2009

My years as a teacher at Kocurek Elementary will never be forgotten. Each year for Willie Kocurek Day the faculty would do a different song and dance routine about Willie and his life. He particularly loved the year when we adapted the words from "One Singular Sensation" from "Chorus Line". The faculty dressed with red ties, top hats, canes.and vests. Banners throughout the school said, " WILLIE IS OUR ONE SINGULAR SENSATION" He joked with us and offered to take us on the road with our "Chorus Line"

Mr. Kocurek would visit every so often and the school lit up with joy. He had a way of spreading happiness to all with his ebullient personality.

Everyone at Kocurek loved him!

Deanna Adams

January 2, 2009

I remember all the times that Mr. Kocurek came to Kocurek elementary and my girls were always so excited for that day. I will cherish, even more now, the picture I had made of my daughter with Mr. & Mrs Kocurek. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. He is an icon in Austin that will be deeply missed by many.

Emily Acosta

January 2, 2009

I will miss you Willie. I am happy I was able to participate in the last Willie Day of my 5th grade year at Kocurek. The highlight of my Christmas was being able to sing directly to you during our visit with the Kocurek Choir. I will always think of you and love you.

Emily Acosta
2008-09 Kocurek Choir
2008-09 Kocurek Honor Choir

Terri Buchanan

January 2, 2009

The Kocurek family has given so much to Central Texas. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you.

Mickie McElroy

January 2, 2009

Willie and Maureen lived near my parents. We bought plants from them once in a yard sale. They all went to the same church where Willie and Maureen attended the Sunday school class my mom taught. What a charmer, and a he did it a sense of humor, an inbred decency, an interest in others, and a love of all things Austin. Thank you, Willie, for sharing yourself with the rest of us.

Jackie Goodman

January 2, 2009

In a time when so many seem to delight only in the critical, the negative, the derogatory, there has always been Willie Kocurek to treasure as the exact opposite. Just knowing he was out there was worth a smile. I'll mss that. Loving thoughts to the family ~ Jackie

Amy Rodriguez

January 2, 2009

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Ben Wear

January 2, 2009

I interviewed Willie in 1995 at his home when he was 85 years old. He had the energy and physicality of a 30-year-old, literally springing up off the couch to make a point. I went to his bedside a few weeks ago, for another story, and by then he was of course much diminished. But he was still a such a charmer that every nurse on the ward that I encountered absolutely loved him. Such an optimistic, good man. When I was in eighth grade, in the mid-1960s, I actually did an impression of Willie's commercials for a speech class project, never dreaming that he'd still be with us when I was in my mid-50s. I'm grateful that even in such brief doses that I got to know him.

Judy Maggio

January 2, 2009

Willie was an Austin original. I first met him in 1981 when I was a rookie television reporter. What a gift he was to this community. His zest for life and learning were amazing. He will be missed by the countless people whose lives he enriched.

Nancy Colwell

January 2, 2009

I grew up going to Willie's store with my mom and dad and as an adult I had the great pleasure of working with him at Team Bank-Westlake. He always had a smile and a friendly word for everyone he met. Austin has lost a true legend.

Margie Malone

January 2, 2009

Among Willie's many gifts to the Austin community, the most valued was his time. His volunteer efforts at Zilker Botanical Garden helped develop the beautiful garden we all enjoy today. He was a true Austin hero!

Michael Grant

January 2, 2009

I had the honor of working with Willie in the mid-90s. He was helping raise funds for an Austin charity and volunteered to contact some of the area’s most distinguished leaders. Imagine my surprise when he wrote the notes in crayon! What’s more, every one of these very busy people responded immediately and offered their support.

God’s speed Mr. K. We’ll miss you.

JIM MCCUTCHEON

January 2, 2009

I REMEMBER IN THE 50'S AND AFTER WE BOUGHT OUR FIRST TV (WHICH WAS VERY SMALL) WE WOULD LOVE HIS ADS ON TV AND GO BY THE GULF STATION AND BUY GAS. HE WILL TRULY BE MISSED.

S Garza

January 2, 2009

Another truly amazing Austin original has sadly left us.
God bless you,Mr. Will.
You will be the only angel in Heaven with a bow tie.

john hughes

January 2, 2009

Another one of Austin's true bigger than live personallities has passed.Loved your commercials as a chld never met you, but felt like I had known you all my life. You were such a sweet and gentle soul.

Becky Helton

January 2, 2009

Willie & Maureen sat on the pew behind me at church for many years. They were both always so friendly & warm & funny. Willie definitely made the world a better place.

Kristie Kocurek

January 2, 2009

I recently moved to Austin and everytime I meet someone, they ask me if I am related to "The Willie Kocurek". He has clearly been a positive and powerful influence in the city of Austin over the decades. I remember meeting him as a child and regret not making that contact as an adult. May Austin remember Willie and his lessons for generations to come!

Connie Rinehart-Lyckman

January 2, 2009

My heart goes out to the family.
Austin lost someone special.
I remember his commercials 30 plus tears ago,went to school with Helen.
"You dont need money just a little bit a month"

Clay Cates

January 2, 2009

Your red bow tie will be missed!

Roma and Tim Caughlin

January 2, 2009

I was so saddend to hear of this much beloved man's death. He was such an inspiration to me and I enjoyed all the wonderful stories of his childhood days growing up in Dime Box,Texas. He was a perfect example of what hard work and determination can achieve. I loved how he reached out to others and gave so much of himself to all who knew him. I am proud to say He was my "Great Uncle Willie"

Nancy and Emily Demmer

January 1, 2009

My daughter attended Kocurek Elementry from 2001 until 2007. We had the wonderful blessing of meeting Mr. Kocurek personally. My daughters "autographed bowtie" is one of her most precious treasures. Mr. Kocurek was a wonderful man and a true inspiraton and model for all chilldren. He is an icon that will be deeply missed but you got to know that he is kicking the volume a notch up in heaven! We were blessed to know him and honored to be alumnis of Kocurek Elementary

Mary O'Grady

January 1, 2009

How sad. Willie Kocurek was a wonderful man and a real inspiration to me. Austin has lost a great person and a true original.

January 1, 2009

And another of our few remaining hometown heroes gone. God speed, sir. We will all, every one, miss you.

Sharon Guzman

January 1, 2009

May you Rest in Peace, although I did not know you personally. I knew you for what you did for Austin. May your family and friends find solace in the love and joy you shared with many.

Sheri Alexander

January 1, 2009

"Put on your bowtie, Willie!
Put on your red bowtie
Put on your bowtie, Willie!
This is your day to shine!"

Proud Kocurek Elementary Alumni.
Willie I. Kocurek was the nicest man I met as a child attending that wonderful South Austin school, even when I would see him at the Pecan St. Festival, he recognized me as a student. A great man who will be missed, my thoughts are with his family.

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