Nicholas "Nick" Boyd Kocurek, of Aviston, Illinois, formerly of Cahokia, Illinois, born August 14, 1939 in Fairmont City, Illinois, died Saturday, October 17, 2026 at Aviston Countryside Manor, Aviston, Illinois.

Nick was the former owner of Big Nick's Tavern and the Iron Skillet in Cahokia, IL, along with his wife Pat. They also owned four Fantasy Books stores in the St. Louis area. He was an avid flea market vendor at the Belleville Fairgrounds. He was very active in the Jaycees in Cahokia, IL, where he ran the Bingo for years and was JCI Senator. He was a Trek-kie and her and Nick did Star Trek conventions all over the country. Nick was very active in the Cahokia community - Precinct Committeman, Election Judge, and member of the Library Board.

He was preceded in death by his father, Seraphine Kocurek; his mother and step father, Olinda nee Taylor, and Raymond Kempf; a stepson, Ronald Tharp; four brothers, Sam, Eugene, Ronald and Thomas Kocurek; and a two sisters, Mary Lou Christenson and Barbara Hinton.

Surviving are his children, David (Sally) Kocurek of Panama City Beach, FL, Joseph (Jackie) Kocurek of Panama Beach, FL, and Maria Swadley of Panama City Beach, FL, Connie (Kenny) Foster of Carlyle, IL, Debbie (Richard) Duncan of Cahokia, IL, Carol Golik of Waterloo, IL, Linda Lung of Waterloo, IL, David Kocurek of Keyesport, IL; 16 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren, and two great great grandchildren. He was also a dear brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, and friend.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at Braun Family Funeral Home, Columbia, Illinois. A Memorial Service will follow at 9:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Missouri.