The William E. Wockner Foundation Story
The William E. Wockner Foundation was founded in 2018 under the terms of Bill Wockner’s last will and testament. The Foundation is constituted as a nonprofit corporation under Washington law and is a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization under federal law. It is a reflection of the philanthropic nature of its namesake.
Bill Wockner
Bill Wockner was born in St Louis, Missouri in 1928. He moved to the Seattle area at the age of two where he began to carve out his path in the Pacific Northwest. Bill enlisted and served his country in the South Pacific as a United States Marine in WWII, which is where he learned how to operate heavy equipment. He started a construction company shortly after returning home from the war, and then grew his company over the ensuing years. Over the years, Bill learned what it meant to struggle, and how to work hard to overcome challenges. Often times, Bill would forgo his own salary to ensure that every employee always received a much-needed (and well-deserved) paycheck.
Bill passed away in 2014. He had been vigorous in any pursuit he took up in his life, and was gracious and kind to those around him. At the same time, he was astute in business and finance. In anticipation of his eventual passing, Bill was steadfast in his intention that this wealth be managed and applied long-term for the benefit of the community and those in need. He thus presented a challenge to the Foundation’s managers – a challenge to address the needs of the community and the vulnerable within it. With respect to those in the service of others, his forceful admonition was — “they take care of us, now you take care of them!”
Our Mission and Vision
We support our communities by helping those who need it most, with a clear vision of making this world a better place for future generations. We give because we can, and we hope to inspire others to do what they can as well. It only takes a little to make a big difference.
Board of Directors
