Leo Kohlfeld

Leo A. Kohlfeld, 82, of Jackson passed away Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2010, at his home, after a courageous three-year battle with cancer.

He was born Sept. 14, 1928, at Apple Creek, Mo., to Carl and Dora Trapp Kohlfeld. He and Blandina "Blanche" Buchheit were married Sept. 4, 1948, at St. Joseph's Church in Apple Creek.

Leo's most precious and first love was his family, and his last words were of how proud he was of his family. Leo was known for his kindness, humility and compassion. Everywhere he went -- from corporate board room to rustic tavern, from hunting lodge to family farm, from social club to church -- he took an interest in people's lives and made lifelong friends.

The people he met over the course of his life were more than just acquaintances; they were friends about whom he cared deeply. Never too busy to lend a hand, to offer guidance, to donate his time, his talents, or his money, Leo was generous and gracious. His strong work ethic and love of a good time extended to every aspect of his life, whether it was playing cards, telling stories, working puzzles, cooking, hunting, fishing, or traveling.

Leo loved his family, his farm, and his relationships. He was encouraging and nurturing to others along life's path, dedicated and loyal, inspiring to all who knew him.

In 1948 he moved to Cape Girardeau and went to work at William B. Schott Distributing as a route salesman. After an ownership change in 1955, he became general manager, a position he retained while he bought the company in 1968, incorporating as Kohlfeld Distributing. He began to acquire additional beer product lines in the five counties he served. A son, Mike, joined the firm in 1971, as did son Mark in 1982.

Under his leadership the family continued their growth through additional acquisition and the formation of Kohlfeld Beverage, a non-alcoholic division in 1984. Today, Kohlfeld Distributing and Kohlfeld Beverage distributes more than 100 beer, wine, and non-alcoholic brands from 28 different suppliers in a 19-county area.

Leo served on many boards within the beer industry and was active in many organizations including Cape Girardeau Elks Lodge 639, Knights of Columbus Council 1111, Perry County Sportsman's Club and Cape Girardeau Eagles Aerie.

In 2006, he and his wife, Blanche, sons Mike and Mark, and their spouses Barbara and Bobbie, received the Friend of University Award given by Southeast Missouri State University Foundation, the first time the award was bestowed on a family.

Mr. Kohlfeld is survived by his wife, Blanche; two sons and their wives, Mike and Barbara, Mark and Bobbie of Cape Girardeau; two daughters and their husbands, Gail and Frank Jones of Cape Girardeau, Jan and Bob Velander of Blue Springs, Mo.; 12 grandchildren, Alexandra, Courtland and Parker Kohlfeld, Ryan Jones and wife Shannon, Natalie Jones Loper and husband Jonathan, Meghan and Madeline Jones, Jason and Jordan Bles, Robin Velander, Julia and Taylor Kohlfeld; eight great-grandchildren, Luke, Claire and Claudia Jones, Briony Loper, Emma and Peighton Ireland, Lilly and Dylan Velander; a brother, Charles Kohlfeld of St. Peters, Mo.; and a sister, Teresa Balsman of Perryville, Mo.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a granddaughter, Jennifer Ireland; three brothers, Wallace, Edgar and Joseph Kohlfeld; and two sisters, Bernice Bruening and Marie Meyer.

Visitation will begin at 4 p.m. today and will also be held from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Friday at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Cape Girardeau. An Elks service, parish prayers and Knights of Columbus rosary will begin at 8 p.m. today.

Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the church, with the Rev. David Hulshof and the Rev. Oscar Lukefahr officiating. Entombment will be in Cape County Memorial Park Mausoleum.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be given to St. Vincent de Paul Capital Campaign, Notre Dame Regional High School Building Fund, Southeast Missouri State University Foundation or the Jennifer Ireland Foundation www.jenniferirelandfoundation.com, whose purpose is to financially assist families who are in need while fighting cancer.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.