Annette Marie Kohoutek

Annette M. Kohoutek was born on November 18, 1942 in Taylor, Texas to George and Christine Mikolaj. Annette attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and Annette’s life was always grounded in her faith, family and her Czech cultural heritage. While at a community dance, she met the love of her life, Frank C. Kohoutek, while he was on a leave during his Navy service. They exchanged a constant stream of letters while Frank saw the world on his tours of duty and Annette moved with her mother Christine to Austin, Texas to work for the State of Texas. On April 4, 1964, Frank and Annette were married and began a lifelong involvement in their St. Louis Catholic Church Community in Austin, Texas. They welcomed two children, Michelle and Chris, and became active supporters of St. Louis Catholic School as well.

Annette had the ability to see with her heart - seeing the potential in others, and always encouraging ideas and dreams. That vision was surpassed only by her true gift, the ability to support and bring those ideas and dreams to fruition. Annette was an outstanding organizer and if Annette was working on a project, the project would succeed. Annette did not need or seek a spotlight, instead Annette was the one who would produce the spotlight, make sure there was a fresh bulb and power source, and that the light was pointed in the right direction and shining – she was the glue that held so many of us, our projects, and our lives together. Throughout Annette’s work career she served as an executive assistant in many capacities, but especially enjoyed her work with the Diocese of Austin. There are countless efforts and organizations that benefitted from Annette’s involvement, each Annette held close to her heart and treasured.

Annette was a wonderful cook and her kitchen table always had room for one more. Frank and Annette’s home was always open and full, including the many who affectionately knew them as “Mr. & Mrs. K”. They created an incredibly large and diverse extended family. Annette’s gentle laugh, quiet strength and support has touched so many lives. Annette’s great talent for baking has also touched many lives as Annette was known for her excellent kolaches. Annette made sure to teach others the art of baking this Czech pastry, keeping this delicious tradition alive.

Annette loved travelling, seeing many states, state parks, the Czech Republic, Canada and many of the tropical islands. Annette also enjoyed time spent in her own yard and was an avid gardener. Annette had a green thumb for both people and plants – both grew profoundly while in her care. All her life, Annette had a special love for hummingbirds. She loved hummingbirds for their jewel-like beauty, almost physics defying motion, and their tenacity. In many ways, Annette was a hummingbird herself.

Annette believed that life was a gift and that it should be lived as fully as possible. Annette was diagnosed with Parkinson’s almost 30 years before her passing but did not let the disease stop her from living fully. Annette could find a reason to smile, even when the days were hard. Annette’s greatest frustration was that she could not do more, and she found joy in seeing pictures and hearing the stories about what was going on in the lives of those she knew.

Annette was preceded in death by her parents, her brother and by her husband Frank. She is survived by her daughter Michelle Pena and son Chris Kohoutek. Annette absolutely adored her grandchildren and great granddaughter: Gabriel, Luke, Isabelle, Juliette, Anna and Esteban Pena; Sarah, Elyse, and Audrey Kohoutek; and Xiomara Pena. She also treasured the extra family members that joined her life through her children and grandchildren.

In memory of Annette, the family requests that you spend time together with people you love, take the trip you have been putting off, spend some time watching the beauty of a small bird or if you are lucky enough to have a source close, to enjoy a kolache in her honor.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com for the Kohoutek family.