Steve Kohls was everybody's friend

Steve Kohls at an AHS girls game, Dec. 31, 2024.

Steve Kohls was everybody’s friend. While I never had Sunday dinners with him or anything like that, when our paths would cross, he would always greet me with a big smile and a “Heyyy, howya do-in’?” While making some small talk, he would erupt in his trademark laughter that couldn’t help but make you smile.

I took pictures of Steve (and sometimes Jeremy Millsop) every chance I could when they made it over to Aitkin, usually to cover an athletic event. I dubbed them the “Dispatch Dream Team” and “The Best in the Business.” Partially because I thought it was funny and not really in Steve’s character, but mostly because it was true. Steve’s prowess with a camera is well-documented. I learned a lot working with him and talking about ideas, but different stories stand out to me even more than his skill behind a camera.

First, Steve freely gave of himself while I was going through a divorce. It was a rough time, but Steve was a friendly face who could speak to me from experience, without judgment. I will forever be grateful for his kind words and sage-like advice when it felt like the world was falling apart. He knew exactly what I needed to hear.

When I had a student who took an interest in photography as a potential career, I called Steve and asked if she could do a ride-along with him. They went out and found one of his typical Page 1 shots. And by typical, I mean it was outstanding. He explained to this student how and why he set his camera the way he did. She was able to replicate the same photo. It was a great experience. Steve loved talking about his craft and offering advice while at the same time complimenting the work you had already done. I eagerly soaked it up when talking about our work together at the Dispatch.

Quite a while back, Steve had a gallery show of some of his best photographs. My parents were enamored with one of them. They couldn’t stop raving about it. I wanted to get them a framed print for Christmas, so I described the photo to Steve. He knew exactly which one I was talking about. When he told me the price for a custom-framed enlarged photograph, I must have looked disappointed. I don’t remember how much it was, but I know that I couldn’t even come close to affording it. Steve said he would see what he had lying around, then came back to me with a lesser price. I think he sold me that picture for about what it cost to have it framed. 

That’s the kind of person Steve was.

Rest easy my friend.

Jeremy Millsop & Steve Kohls at an AHS football game, Oct. 24, 2023.