The Kohlfelds

The Kohlfeld family long has been synonymous with beer and sports in Southeast Missouri.

For decades the company has been heavily involved in sponsoring sports teams and organizations throughout the region. That sponsorship has extended to athletic programs, student organizations and student events at Southeast Missouri State University along with support of the university foundation.

Last weekend, the Southeast Missouri State University Foundation presented the Kohlfeld family with its 2006 Friend of the University Award, the organization's highest honor. Southeast president Dr. Ken Dobbins called their dedication to the university "unrelenting."

Leo Kohlfeld founded the family's beer distributorship in Jackson in 1968. His son Mike currently is the company's president, and the founder's son Mark is vice president of sales. Both sons are graduates of Southeast.

Mike Kohlfeld is a member of the Southeast Booster Club Board of Directors, serving on the executive committee. The distributorship often sponsors television and radio shows featuring Southeast's coaches.

The university is one of many civic commitments the family maintains in the community. They are most deserving of this recognition.