NSA-WI Mourns the Loss of Two Friends and Colleagues
This past week, our chapter lost two friends and speaking colleagues.
One of our Emeritus Members, Jerry Reckner, passed away on Thanksgiving Day. Jerry was a long time member of the chapter. A true professional, he always was willing to offer a helping hand to newer members and speakers.
Sandi Knudson passed away unexpectedly the day after Thanksgiving at her brother's home. She was recently appointed to the Board of Directors of the NSA. Sandi was a caring, loving person, and a friend to everybody. (In lieu of flowers please mail a donation to Crivitz Youth Inc., P.O. Box 188, Crivitz, WI 54114. Sandi would have appreciated that.)
Jerry and Sandi will be greatly missed. We are all better off for having known them, and their friends and families are in our hearts and prayers.
Feel free to add your memories of Jerry and Sandi in the comments section below.
Video tribute by Mike Domitrz…
Welcome to the website of the National Speakers Association – Wisconsin Chapter (NSA-WI). NSA-WI is proud to be the first chartered chapter of the 
Anyone who participated in Video Day last week knows Sandi’s passion and humor were contagious. Sandi drove more than 3 hours each way just to come and support her fellow speakers — and support them she did!
Several of us had the great pleasure of spending time with Sandi and her family in New York City last summer at the NSA National Convention. It was a hoot to explore Time Square and see a show with them.
Anyone who had the opportunity to spend time with Sandi is better for it – she and her smile will be very missed.
Sandi has always been a positive force of energy in the lives of anyone who was blessed to meet her. This summer, my family was honored to accompany Sandi, her husband, her daughter, and her daughter’s friend to a show on Broadway. Their excitement following the show was contagious. Watching Sandi see her daughter have sooo much fun was simply wonderful. You could clearly see how much Sandi loves her family. All of us are better for having the chance to know her!!
Jerry always had a smile and would be the first to share his journey with you. He lived a life of various adventures and successes – a great example of pursing your dreams.
Today, Heaven gained 2 glowing spirits!!
My thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of Jerry and Sandi. The holidays are always such a difficult time to loose someone, and for our sister NSA chapter to loose two members in such a short time, is tough to say the least. You have the sympathy of NSA MN.
Although I did not know Jerry, I did have the opportunity to meet Sandi at the video shoot. I was impressed meeting so many of your wonderful members. Sandi, a true beam of light with her bright smile made me feel welcomed. I didn’t feel like an “outsider” at all. Her thoughtfulness to drive as she did to be a support to many she knew, but also to many of us she had not met before speaks loudly of her character. NSA WI and NSA where honored to have her as a member.
May your hearts and souls thrive on the remarkable moments created by and with Jerry and Sandi
Lori La Bey
http://www.SeniorLifestyleTrends.com
NSA-MN
Sandi was a positive force for all that knew her. She was real! She and Kip are everyday people whose story is our story – the story of struggle, joy and living life each day the way it was meant to be lived. She will be missed.
I owe a great deal of my success to Jerry Reckner who helped me to jumpstart my career as a speaker 12 years ago. He encouraged and inspired many budding speakers and was always quick to provide resources and support. Jerry had a heart of gold and will be missed by all who knew him.
Sandi’s warmth and outgoing personality brightened my day every time I saw her. My prayers and sympathy go to Sandi’s family.
Sandi was one of the truly amazing people who brighten the room whenever she walked in. Her contagious smile and humor made her someone I always wanted to sit near. I will miss her. My sympathy to her family.
TALLY OF THE ANGELS
If there were a Tally of Angels for NSA, the names of these three recently passed treasured members would be on it.
In September, I was in the process of sending Rosita Perez ,CPAE, a copy of my new book, Burnt Toast & Jam, with the page that was dedicated to her. Unfortunately, she never had the opportunity to see the book. It was the same day that I learned of her succumbing to her long battle with Multiple Sclerosis. I had seen Rosita speak about 13 years ago, called her later to ask her questions about how one would get into the business of speaking, and thus, began a wonderful relationship. I was honored to have a photo in the magnificent book that NSA presented to her at the Tribute to Rosita Perez Night at an Orlando Conference. The book was full of pictures of all whom had taken the same journey with Rosita, and whose lives had been impacted by this extraordinary woman.
Thanksgiving Day signaled the passing of another dear friend, Jerry Reckner. I can think of no other single person in our Wisconsin Chapter who devoted more time to helping others find their speaking voice. He founded a speaker’s school, which will be remembered by many of our members, either because they attended it or assisted in presenting for it. Jerry lived and loved Winston Churchill’s saying, “Never, Never, Never give up.” He was eager to share, to encourage, and to do whatever he could to help speakers find their way. When one thought of a man with a big heart, they thought of Jerry.
And then there is Sandi Knutson who has left us all way too soon. Sandi was one of those people one feels like they’ve known forever. Even though she had hours of driving ahead of her, she took time to attend the June NSA-WI Picnic at my home several years ago, and was one of those people you could always count on to support our events. Sandi had a smile that radiated a magnetic warmth, a great spirit and a lot of heart. I know it wasn’t unusual for her to get up and start driving from Crivitz, WI, at 3 a.m. to make our meetings, video days and other events. I was thrilled for her when she said she would be going to the NSA Rocks convention in New York this past summer. I remember asking Sandi to serve on the NSA-WI Board when I was President three years ago, and she declined saying she didn’t think she was ready. How ironic is it that she had recently accepted the position to be a Board Member. She was now ready. We will truly miss Sandi as we still see her smile and hear her laugh and grieve at missing all she would have done as a Chapter leader and, most importantly, as our good friend.
D. Kinza Christenson
Past President, NSA-WI
Mike Domitrz and I just returned from Sandi’s visitation. You will not be surprised to learn the place was packed with a line out the door.
Sandi’s impact on the community was demonstrated by the outpouring of support for her family. The family seemed to be handling the shock extraordinarily well. Sandi’s daughter was poised and gracious – so much like her mom!
I offered my help to her husband Kip to contact Sandi’s clients and see if we can help fulfill her commitments. This seemed to be something he was worried about. We’d like to make sure her family can retain the income if they can. Please let me know if you would like to help.
Whenever I saw Sandi at the workshops, she always had a warm, genuine smile. She was a true friend.
Jerry was an indescribable influence and teacher. I too, owe my speaking career to him. I went to his speaking school twice. He provided private mentoring. His generosity is unparalleled. He will be missed.
Sandi was one of the first people I met when I joined NSA Wisconsin last year, and I always sought her out because I loved her warmth, her enthusiasm and her wonderful sense of humor. I greatly enjoyed spending time with her at the New York convention, and got to meet her family as our planes were delayed out of La Guardia. And I was so impressed and touched that she came all the way down from Crivitz with a friend to attend Video Day and support those of us who were presenting. She will be sorely missed. Her family must indeed be proud of her. My condolences to all who knew and loved her.
As Eliz mentioned previously, today we were blessed with the experience of attending the visitation for Sandi. To see the strength of her family, especially her daughter Alex (a Senior in high school) was the greatest tribute to everything Sandi stood for. Alex was the first to greet each person as they entered the funeral home. Like her mother, her smile lit up the room. She laughed as she shared memories — an incredibly positive outlook at such a difficult time. Even as her friends were crying, Alex seemed to be at a place of understanding that her Mom was in a special place lighting up the room as always.
As we approached Kip, he smiled. After talking for a little while, he quickly mentioned NSA helping to fill the need Sandi’s clients may have now that she is not physically with us here on Earth. He knows Sandi would have wanted her clients taken care of.
Then a member of the community began talking with us. She couldn’t stop talking about the impact Sandi had on every life she came into. To give you an idea of how much she impacted Crivitz, the girls high school basketball team voted not to play their game tonight in honor of Sandi and her family. While some may wonder, “Was Alex on that team?” the answer is, “No.” Sandi and her family simply meant that much to the community!!
I am so very saddened by the loss of two powerful influences on both my life and the NSA. Jerry reminding me it is never too late to try new things.His committment to helping everyone he could find their voice in NSA brought a warmth to my heart.
Sandi’s smile and genuine personality brought a kind of freshness we all need to remember when meeting new people. She was great at making you feel as though you knew her your whole life in just 60 seconds or less!
My prayer is for peace that surpasses all understanding find it’s way into the homes of their families during this difficult time.
I’ve known Sandi and Kip for several years having originally met Sandi through her involvement with the Crivitz Jaycees. (Along with her many other activities.) Many of the past Jaycees were there last evening along with the State President and his wife. Although past Jaycee age, Sandi had continued as a resource for the organization and provided a leadership training session for the last Jaycee state convention.
While her impact can’t be fully measured, the number of people who attended the visitation was a testament to the type of friend she had become to so many. So many people came to pay their respects that the funeral director had to twice add pages to the guest register during the evening.
The minister captured the tone of the evening in a way that Sandi would have appreciated when he said, “We shouldn’t mourn our loss but rather we should marvel in all that she was.” Sandi meant so much to her community of friends and I’ll miss her upbeat emails and phone calls.
But most of all I’ll miss a good friend.
Sandy was one of the nicest, down to earth people I met at NSA. She had a quick smile and friendly demeanor. I’m glad to have met and known her, if only for a couple of years. My thoughts and prayers go with her family…and our thanks for sharing Sandy with us.
SANDI WAS AN AMAZING WOMAN! Not one to toot her own horn, so as one of her many friends I will share more of Sandi with you. Sandi was also highly invovled with the Crivitz Ski Cats, a water ski team here in Crivitz. She hauled (and operated) the sound equipment back and forth to the lake several times a week for shows and practice. Also made sure the ski trailer was there. She organizED all our paperwork, and she made sure that a “Learn to ski” day was set up for the area youth every year. Sandi was also the head Forensics Coach at the Crivitz High School for the past 3 years. Very aware of recycling, carried her own canvas bag when she shopped. Sandi organized many benefits and was involved in the Cancer walk, The Community Play. I could keep going, but the tears are right here and I am really missing you Sandi,… needed more time, we all did, but understand you would want us to continue to have a very positve attitude, laugh alot, learn to use the power of speech, recycle and live our life to the fullest. I have her handprints, (honestly it is probably her footprints) guiding my life. It was truly an honor to have been her friend and to have learned so much from her. to honor her memory cast a smile, do a good deed, recycle…every day. Bunny
Jerry was my friend and mentor as he was to many in our organization, I’ll miss his williness to help anyone at no cost. A lesson in life that I relearned from him, a great personal & professional friend will be missed.
Sandi, moved me as she did anyone she came into contact with, her smile and wonderful kindness I already miss, we traveled through Fast Track together we volunteered together and presented together, I’m still in shock, our organization as changed these past two weeks, it’s a message that we must enjoy life to it’s fullest potential daily and give our very best at all things we do, just as they both gave so willingly.
I’m at loss of words, less is more this time, Jerry & Sandi good traveling to you both in your spiritual life, may we meet again someday.
Sandi and I went to middle and high school together and worked on numerous projects here in Crivitz together. She was always first to volunteer for any need in our little community. She would often volunteer you if you weren’t careful!!! She touched so many lives. If she touched yours, please honor her memory by volunteering. It takes all of us!!
Jerry was a God send to me in many ways. I will miss him tremendously!
Even though I didnt hear about his passing until after the fact, I was there in spirit! I will miss you always and see you again someday.
Note a to all of Sandi’s Friends,
February 14th, Valentine’s Day, was Sandi’s birthday. We in Crivitz are making the day into a random act of kindness day. Sandi was such a positive force in all of our lives, that we cannot begin to repay the many acts of kindness she offered to all of us, however, I think she would be pleased to see the day marked by random acts of kindness all over the state. Just follow her example, speak kindly to all, cook a meal for someone who needs it, volunteer at something, recycle, encourage one another. Make Feb. 14th a great day in loving memory of one who loved us so much.
I’m Sandi’s daughter. This is the first time I’ve ever seen this page and it has been over a year since her passing. Thank you for your wishes and for all the wonderful things you have said about her.
Sandi was never perfect, in fact some of my favorite stories about her are the times she screwed up. It helps me realize the kind of person she was: real. She learned from her mistakes and yearned to perfect the way she treated other people. I believe she taught me everything she could, now let’s just hope I was a good listener!
I too carry my canvas bags around, recycle everything I can, conserve gas, and NAG all my friends to do the same. But mostly I practice what she preached. I try to live my life by my personal favorite quote of hers by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, “Treat people as if they were what they ought to be and you help them become what they are capable of being”.
I can hope that in her memory you can do the same. Thank you again for writing all these wonderful things, it is an immense comfort to me. God bless