Annie Louise Cocek

Annie Louise Cocek July 10, 1917 – August 24, 2006 On Thursday, August 24, 2006, Annie Louise Cocek, passed away peacefully at a local nursing home to go to her Lord and Savior and reunite with her beloved husband Tony. Services for Annie will be held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 29, 2006 at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 800 N. New Road, with Pastor Paul Krupicka and Rev. Dr. Kenneth Moerbe co-officiating. Burial will follow at Waco Memorial Park. The family will receive visitors from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday evening at the funeral home. Annie was born July 10, 1917 in McGregor, Texas, daughter of the late Herman Carl Wilhelm Wiese and Anna Meiske Wiese. She was baptized September 23, 1917 at Zion Lutheran Church in McGregor and confirmed March 29, 1931 at Peace Lutheran Church, which is now St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, in Crawford. She attended Plainview School near McGregor. Reared on a farm in the McGregor area, she moved to Waco in her early twenties. Her first job was as a caregiver in the home of an elderly couple. She met Tony J. Cocek, the love of her life, on a blind date in 1939 while she was working as a waitress at a local cafe. Leaving cafe work after a short period of time, Annie then was employed by Hawk and Buck Clothing Manufacturing Company as a clothing inspector until she was called to work for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in 1943. There she was assigned to the traffic department as a toll operator. Tony enlisted in the Army Air Force in January 1942, serving almost two years overseas and returning to the States in 1945. After an engagement of 4 years, Tony and Annie’s plans were carried out and they were married on February 14, 1946 at St. Mary’s Catholic Rectory by Father Floyd Bielamowicz. After almost twelve years of service with the telephone company, Annie resigned in 1955 when she and Tony were blessed with their only child, Kenneth. Tony preceded her in death on November 9, 1996 after 50 years of marriage. In 1950, Tony and Annie built their home in what was at that time the yet undeveloped Westview Village area and lived in that same house for over 55 years. It was only natural that she should look for and join a church in that area, so, in keeping with her Lutheran roots, she became a member of Crestview Lutheran Church, now known as St. Matthew Lutheran Church, on the day of its organization on May 4, 1952. At the time of her death she was the longest-standing member of the congregation. She was faithful to her church, helping in the nursery, serving on the Altar Guild and working as custodian for many years. She belonged to the Women of the ELCA, Morning Meditation Circle and the “Over 50’s” Club. Annie was a very giving person and did her part by regularly donating blood to the American Red Cross. For 6 years she was recognized as a member of the Red Cross Gallon Club. Annie’s greatest joy was spending time with her family and taking care of her home and yard. She was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, Tony; brothers, Bill, Walter, and Lonnie Wiese; sisters, Bertha Wiese, Nora Worley Cox and infant sister, Lillie. Those left to cherish her memory are her son, Kenneth and daughter-in-law, Sandy; grandson, Steven and his wife, Sarah; grandson, Christopher; great-granddaughter, Michelle; great-grandson, Dakota; and brother, John Wiese along with a number of nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Caritas of Waco or Central Texas Senior Ministry. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in the “Memorial Guestbook” at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com. Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey