Newspaper Article On Alma
http://www.taylordailypress.net/articles/2009/07/28/news/news03.txt
Taylor loses elder
Philanthropist, historian Alma Konze dies at age 95
Taylor lost one of its great elders over the weekend - member of many local civic organizations and local philanthropist Alma Konze, who died in the evening at her her home at the age of 95.
Those who knew her remember her as a warm, caring person who, in spite of her attitude that demanded the attention of anyone she was speaking with, always held to her strong opinions and was loved by many.
Having had no children of her own, and with her husband Herbert already deceased, Konze died alone, but left behind scores of friends and acquaintances. For her, philanthropy was a way to plug into the community, make friends and continue fostering relationships.
“She wanted to be a part of the community, so she thought the best way was to help out,” said long-time friend Bill Mikulencak. “She loved Taylor. She lived in Houston for a while and when she got back to Taylor, she just wanted to make a difference in the quality of life here.”
Konze’s efforts often came from her own pockets. Sometimes she would go to H-E-B and buy day-old baked goods and give the groceries away to the needy, or to anyone who wanted them.
“She hated to see anything go to waste,” said Jim Snyder, a friend who knew Konze for 33 years. “That’s why she did that.”
Konze was “a fixture in Taylor,” according Snyder, always milling around town and talking with people. She was an active and devoted member of the Taylor Lion’s Club, which celebrated her 95th birthday with her, and she had strong relationships with the Taylor Police Department, Taylor City Hall and in Taylor ISD.
In spite of her age, Konze’s death comes as a great surprise to the club’s members and the community. She remained active and in good spirits throughout her last week, acquaintances say, and she drove herself to and from the Lion’s Club weekly meeting Friday.
“It was a shock to all of us, because if she had any indication, she certainly wasn’t letting on,” Snyder said.
“It is a shock,” Mikulencak said, “but at the same time, I think that’s the way Alma wanted to go, active until the last minute.”
What most people who knew Konze will remember is her ability to talk at length. With most of the history of Taylor at her immediate disposal, she would gladly discuss a variety of subjects with whomever she happened by in the community who was willing to listen.
“If you saw Alma coming up the walk, you’d better be available to talk to her,” Snyder said. “She was always coming by the funeral home where I worked to pay her respects to people she knew who had passed on. I learned a lot from her. She would tell you about everybody.”
In addition to her strong will and inclination to opine, Konze was also “very, very religious,” Mikulencak said.
“She loved God, was outgoing and community-oriented,” Mikulencak said. “She was just a good, whole person. And she was very smart, very sharp for a lady getting up in her age.
“We’ll miss her; her little persuasive way of doing things. You didn’t have to worry about what side Alma was on; she’d tell you how she felt.”
Services are pending, and the time and specific cause of death have not yet been determined.