Austin, Texas- On Thursday morning, January 1, 2009, Austin icon Willie Kocurek passed away at the age of 98. Well-known throughout Austin for his landmark appliance business in Central Austin, his remarkable graduation from the University of Texas School of Law at age 70, his signature red bow tie, and, of course, his never ending commitment to helping the people of Austin through his work with many charities.  Willie is survived by his wife Maurine Kocurek and daughter Kay Bell Kocurek.

Willie Kocurek and Bert Kruger Smith, community leaders and founders of Austin Groups for the Elderly,  purchased the Historic AGE building, a designated Austin landmark and local treasure, in 1986, and renovated it into office spaces.  Their vision was to provide a one-stop information center for older adults and caregivers, where a number of non-profits serving seniors could cohabitate and collaborate to serve Austin's elderly. AGE's Executive Director Joyce Lauck "admired his amazing leadership ability and the impact he had with his positive attitude. Our founders Willie Kocurek and Bert Kruger Smith, in their 70's at the time, showed great courage and amazing foresight in creating a non-for-profit to work on elder issues. The Austin Community has much to be thankful for."

 

Indeed, thanks to their hard work and dedication, AGE assists over 3,000 seniors and their caregivers yearly with 5 distinct programs. Opened in 1908, originally as the Confederate Women's Home by the United Daughters of the Confederacy, the Historic AGE Building continues to care for one of Austin's most vulnerable populations: the Elderly. Willie Kocurek remained active with AGE until his health declined several years ago but his legacy lives on in AGE's mission and in an annual award named in his honor to recognize a local leader who embodies his spirit of vital aging.

 

The staff and Board of AGE are honored to have worked with Willie Kocurek. 

 

Learn more about Willie Kocurek and the founding of AGE click here