Sandra Lee "Sandi" Kotinek, age 85, having lived a full life, passed away suddenly October 1, 2026, in Tomball, Texas after battling her sixth type of cancer.
Sandi was born October 16, 1940, in La Crosse, Wisconsin, the daughter of Kenneth M. and Frances (Bambenek) Niedbalski. She graduated from La Crosse Central High School. Education and continued learning were important to her and to that end fulfilled her dream of earning her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, magna cum laude, late in life. Sandi was married to Loras Kotinek for 29 years and together they raised four daughters.
Sandi was passionate about literacy and the under-served community. She was one of the founders of the Lost River School in Wautoma, a State licensed mental health facility with an education component for emotionally disturbed/developmentally disabled youth. During this time, she was a foster parent for Waushara County.
In 1978, Sandi became the manager of Wautoma Regional Center for Fox Valley Technical College, the first Center in the District. She also managed the newly established Waupaca Regional Center in 1993. She worked tirelessly until her retirement in 2000.
She moved to Tomball, Texas in 2020, to be closer to her daughters, Nancy and Jane.
Sandi was a current member of the American Contract Bridge League where she was a Bronze Life Master with only a few points short of being a Silver Life Master. She served for many years as a library volunteer, was an appointed member of the Wautoma Public Library Board, was a Friend of the Wautoma Library and made a special point of visiting the library when she came back to Wautoma for visits. Additionally, she was on the Wautoma Planning Commission, the Wautoma Historical Board, and the Waushara Industries Board.
Family, traveling and cruising, gardening, reading, and playing cards were her passions. She was an avid Brewers fan and enjoyed watching birds on her video bird feeder.
She had a unique ability to strike up meaningful conversations with all she met. Her great sense of humor and feistiness were passed down to her kids and grandchildren.
Those who hold Sandi dearly in their hearts include her four beloved daughters, Linda Morales, Wautoma, Sharon (Tom) Marsh of St. Anthony Village, MN, Nancy Kotinek and Jane Kotinek of Tomball, TX; Five special grandchildren, Kristin (Solomon) Sasa, Alex (Sofiya) Marsh, Melissa (Ryan) Peterson and Caitlin Marsh and Nicholas (Jasmine) Kotinek; cherished great-granddaughter Alahna Montoya and future great-grandson Jordan Sasa, favorite brother Kenneth Niedbalski, sister-from-another-mother, Ann Kotinek, and many dear friends and relatives.
She is preceded in death by her parents, sister Delores Hansen, Brother-in-law Arnie Hansen, Sister-in-law Patty Niedbalski, Brother-in-law Gordon Kotinek, and mentor and friend Loras Kotinek.
There will be no funeral service. Sandi disliked funerals and refused to attend her own. Cremation and internment will be in La Crosse.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wautoma Public Library at 410 W. Main St, Wautoma, WI 54982.
