Our Story
In 2008, Herb Knoll’s world was forever changed when his wife passed away from pancreatic cancer. As a successful bank executive, Herb was no stranger to solving challenges—but he quickly discovered a profound gap in resources for widowers like him. Motivated by his own journey and the struggles faced by widowers—ranging from emotional isolation to high suicide rates—Herb turned his grief into action.
From Personal Loss to Global Support
Herb’s journey began with a vision to support other widowers. In 2014, he founded the Widowers Support Network (WSN) to provide widowed men with a safe, supportive space to connect and heal. With its mission to “serve, comfort, and assist widowers and those who love them,” WSN quickly grew into a global movement, now supporting widowed men in over 40 countries. In 2021, WSN was honored with a tribute from the Florida House of Representatives for its impact on widowers worldwide.
Building on this foundation, Herb spent nine years conducting research and engaging in conversations with fellow widowers. These efforts culminated in the release of The Widower’s Journey in 2017, a book that became a lifeline for widowers, earning widespread acclaim and FIVE STAR reviews on Amazon.com. The book was more than just a publication—it was a call to action and a source of hope for countless men.
In December 2024, the Widowers Support Network entered an exciting new phase when it was acquired by WidowWise LLC, under the leadership of Managing Director Chris Bentley.
Chris brings a wealth of expertise and a deep passion for supporting widowed individuals. After retiring from his advisory and wealth management practice, Chris retained his credentials, including his CFP® designation, and shifted his focus entirely to empowering the widowed community.
Loss, Finance, and Compassion
Chris’s journey into advocacy began with a profound realization during his financial advisory career: most people lack critical guidance after the loss of a spouse. Witnessing firsthand the devastating effects of navigating financial decisions during grief, Chris was moved to action.
In 2017, Chris founded Wings for Widows, a pioneering nonprofit dedicated to providing widowed men and women with compassionate financial coaching and education. As a prolific writer and speaker, Chris has dedicated his life to raising awareness of the plight—and lack of support—for the widowed community. His books, including The Legacy Planning & Conversation Guide and The Newly Widowed Guide to Financial Wellness, have become essential resources for navigating life’s most challenging transitions.
Under Chris’s leadership, WSN is entering a new era, focused on innovation, growth, and empowering widowers to move beyond grief to embrace the next chapter in their lives.
At Widowers Support Network, connection is not a side benefit—it’s the point. As our community grows, so does our vision for how widowers connect, learn, and move forward together.
Several new initiatives are on the horizon, designed to deepen engagement, spark real conversations, and bring widowers together in meaningful ways—both virtually and in person.
WSN LIVE: Conversations That Matter
Coming soon, WSN LIVE will feature a rotating series of virtual events with authors, speakers, and subject-matter experts who understand widowhood from the inside out. These sessions may include keynote talks, interviews, or panel discussions—always paired with live Q&A.
Each series will focus on themes widowers care about most, explored over a 2–3 month period, giving members space to reflect, ask questions, and get practical answers—not soundbites.
Circles: Find Your People
We’re also preparing to introduce WSN Circles—member-led, special-interest groups formed around shared experiences, passions, or geography.
Circles are informal and flexible. A member becomes a Circle Leader, invites others with similar interests, and hosts virtual or in-person gatherings. Examples might include:
Veterans and service members
Outdoor enthusiasts and hunters
Regional meetups (like a Dallas-area dining circle)
Circles create real-time connection beyond social media and offer another way for men to build friendships inside the WSN membership community.
Looking Ahead: A National Widowers’ Conference
Finally, we’re exploring the idea of an Annual National Widowers’ Conference—initially virtual, with the long-term goal of an in-person gathering. This would bring together widowers from across the country for education, conversation, and connection on a larger scale.
These ideas are still taking shape—but the direction is clear: more connection, more voices, more ways to move forward together.
Stay tuned. The next chapter of WSN is being built—with you.
Herb Knoll’s vision laid the foundation for the Widowers Support Network, and his contributions continue to inspire. From publishing his acclaimed book The Widower’s Journey to founding WSN and hosting the Widower’s Journey Podcast, Herb’s work has touched thousands of lives.
Under Chris Bentley’s stewardship, WSN carries this legacy forward, building a brighter future for widowed men everywhere. Together, we honor the past, serve the present, and look toward a hopeful future.