Kudos to Krambeck: Good Luck to our Retiring Team Member!

This June will witness the retirement of Jerry Krambeck as SDPAA Member Services Representative.  We are sad for us but happy for him as he embarks on the next stage of his life to be with his family and to tend to the many projects which he left unfinished while working diligently for the people of South Dakota. His “honey-do” list must be very long—on second thought maybe I am not quite as happy for him!     

Jerry has served the SDPAA over the span of twenty years, first as a member of the SDPAA Board of Directors starting in 2002, then later joining our internal team as a Member Services Representative.  He has visited every community in South Dakota multiple times.  He can tell you where to eat or to sleep in any locale.  Whenever one of us had an issue with a hotel reservation, we could drop Jerry’s name and the issue would be quickly resolved—i.e. if you are a friend of Jerry’s then no problem.  He loved visiting with folks in every community and has all positive reviews of their local establishments so you never could call him a “critic.”

Jerry is the epitome of a public servant.  He first served on the Spearfish City Council for three years then was elected Mayor where he served for an additional thirteen years.  He somehow found the time to be a local volunteer firefighter for 25 years when he also served as fire chief for two years!  Jerry is a past President and board member with the SD Municipal League where he influenced policies affecting local governments on a national and state level.  His countless activities demonstrated his passion for servant leadership for his community, his state, and his country.  Jerry even extended his influence abroad by leading many exchanges with fellow community leaders in Germany and other countries.  He maintains those friendships and those productive dialogues to this day.  He will be sorely missed.  I am honored to have known Jerry as a co-worker and a friend! 

In the words of Lynn Bren who worked most closely with him on a daily basis:  “We love Jerry.  We are blessed to have him in our lives.  He is a true mentor and role model to everyone he meets.”  Jerry’s “replacement” will have big shoes to fill and will be expected to continue his demonstrated concern for local government and the public they serve in South Dakota.  To paraphrase Vince Lombardi, the SDPAA will achieve excellence as we strive for perfection!     

If your public entity would like to benefit from SDPAA membership thanks to the legacy of efforts by Jerry and other dedicated public servants, please contact the SDPAA at 800-658-3633 option 2 or by email at sdpaa@sdmunicipalleague.org.  

David Pfeifle, SDPAA Executive Director