Information Letter
from State Deputy Stratman

Friday Night Dinner -
Sponsored by Council 12992

Hotel Information -
Capitol Plaza

Saturday Evening
Banquet Tickets

Current State Program Director John Kolisch

My name is John R. Kolisch. I was born December 30, 1940 to John and Anne Kolisch. Graduated High School 1959. Served our Country, Enlisted in the Armed Forces. Two years United States Navy, two years United States Fleet Marine Corp, one year U.S. Naval Reserves. Honorably Discharged August 1964. Life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Married Judith (Obert) Kolisch August 27 1960. We are blessed with four children, sons Michael, Thomas, John Jr. and daughter Linda. Twelve Grandchildren and one Great Grandson. I was employed from 1964 to 1974 as Meat Manager and overseer of Meat Departments, including the largest Kroger Superstore west of the Mississippi River in 1973. Boy Scout Cub Master for 8 years. Managing my sons C.Y.C. baseball and soccer teams. Served on C.Y.C. Umpire Committee for four years. Currently serving since 1989 the now Archdiocese of Saint Louis Catholic Annual Appeal, served 16 years as Festus Deanery Chairman which included 15 parishes, now serving with my wife Judy, at Good Shepherd Parish. Also serving on my Pastors committee for the Faith For the Future Campaign (Kenrick-Glennon Seminary St. Louis). My wife Judy and I founded JOHNS BUTCHER SHOPPEE’S Incorporated in 1974. Ten years later opening our second store. After 32 great years in our own business, Judy and I have since retired. Our sons Michael and Thomas are now successfully managing the Markets. Our son John Jr. owns Thermal Refrigeration Incorporated Saint Charles Mo., a commercial refrigeration repair company; Daughter Linda has a degree in accounting. Judy and I also own and operate two other companies, Kolisch Enterprises and JJ Kolisch LLC. I joined the Knights of Columbus October 10, 1988 (Good Shepherd Council #6401 Hillsboro) and have served as an officer in my council for twenty-one years to date. Forth Degree Member and Honor Guard member since 1989. I was elected Grand Knight of my council 1992-1995. Served as District Deputy #42 for four years, two years under PSD Tony Braun, two years under PSD Robert Jecklin, SR… Then appointed State Chairman Legislative/Adopt a Highway under PSD James Doggendorf for one year. Appointed State Chairman Crusade for Life under PSD James Doggendorf for one year. Appointed State Chairman, State Council Retention under PSD Ron Wood two years, where we made Membership Circle of Honor both years. Appointed State Chairman New Council Development/Reactivation for two years, where we made Membership Circle of Honor both years. State Deputy Greg Stratman appointed me State Program Director where I currently am serving; again, last year we made Membership Circle of honor. I formed the Job Bank program, placing over 115 Bother Knights and or spouses with employment free of charge, saved the State Council money by cutting duplicating paper work out, played a roll in making the Savers of Life a test program, and many other projects.

Resolution of Support from Council #6401

Past State Officer & Former State Director John Appelbaum

            John Appelbaum, 49, began his membership in the Knights of Columbus by joining Council 2333 in Imperial in 1989, and became a member of the Cardinal Glennon 4th Degree Assembly in February, 1991. John has been married to his wife Carol for nearly 25 years and they have three children, John Jr., 23; Allison, 20; and Michael, 12. They are active members of St. Joseph Parish in Imperial, where their children attended school. John has served the Parish in many capacities over the years. He has been President of the Parish Council, chaired the annual Parish Raffle, been involved with the Music ministry, served as Eucharistic Minister, and coached youth sports.

            John has been very active in his Council since joining the Knights of Columbus, having held the offices of Recording Secretary, Deputy Grand Knight, Grand Knight, Chancellor and Advocate. He has served as the Council’s Membership Director for the past several years, has served as chairman of the Council’s semiannual trivia night for the past 15 years, participates in the annual MR drive, and chairs the annual gift giving program for nursing home residents in the area. 

            In 1996, John was asked to serve on the Missouri State Council and was elected as State Advocate, and re-elected again as State Advocate in 1998. After serving as a State Chairman, John was appointed as a State Director, and held the positions of State Family Life Director, and State MR Promotions Director. In 2004, John was elected as State Secretary for the Missouri State Council, and then served as State Membership Director from 2006-2008. John is currently serving as the Chairman of the National Board of Visitors of the Knights of Columbus Developmental Center at Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital.

            John was licensed as an Attorney in 1986 after graduating from St. Louis University School of Law. He began his career serving as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for 8 years before going into private practice. He is currently a Partner in the firm, Davis, Appelbaum, and Maas, P.C. in Arnold.

Resolution of Support from Council #2333

STATE SECRETARY

Current State Membership Director Keith Milson

            Keith Milson, 46, began his membership in the Knights of Columbus by joining Council 10136 in 1992. He became a member of the St. Louis 4th Degree Assembly #565 in March 1997. Keith has two sons, Kyle 21 and Anthony 18, both members of Council 10136. They are active members of Queen of All Saints Parish in Oakville.

            Keith has served his parish in many capacities over the years including Minister of Hospitality, Men’s Club, Activities Association Board Member, Parish Facilities Planning Committee, CYC coach for soccer, baseball and basketball, and head CYC basketball official.  He is very active in the community having served with many organizations including Charter Representative for Boy Scout Troop 662, Committee Member for Cub Scout Pack 662, Missouri State High School Activities Association, St. Louis Officials Association, President and Board Member of the Bryan Mueckl Memorial Scholarship Foundation.

            Keith has been very active in his council since joining the Knights of Columbus, having held the offices of Recorder, Treasurer, Financial Secretary, and Grand Knight. As Grand Knight he guided the council to two Star Council Awards, the first ever awarded to the council. He has also served his council as Membership Director, Youth Director and Newsletter Editor. He founded the council’s highly successful basketball tournament, now in its 12th year, which was recognized with the Missouri State Council Youth Activities award and a Top Ten Youth Activities Award from Supreme Council. He was the driving force behind the council’s Catholic high school scholarship program that now is a six-figure endowed program annually awarding six scholarships to highly motivated Catholic students. Keith has also been a very active Fourth Degree member of St. Louis Assembly #565. He has been an Honor Guard member for years, served as Outer Sentinel, Inner Sentinel, Pilot, Captain, Faithful Navigator and Trustee. Both years that Keith served as Faithful Navigator the Assembly was awarded the "To Be a Patriot Award" for outstanding programs.

            Keith has served with distinction on the Missouri State Council Knights of Columbus in the following positions: District Deputy 2001-2002 under Past State Deputy Bob Jecklin; District Deputy 2002-2004 under Past State Deputy Jim Doggendorf, State Youth Activities Director 2004-2006 under Past State Deputy Ron Wood; State Community Activities Director 2006-2008 under Past State Deputy Mick Gilliam; and is currently serving as the State Membership Director 2008-2010. As a District Deputy Keith was awarded the Outstanding District Deputy every year he served and achieved the Star District Award from Supreme. As State Youth Activities Director Keith initiated the State Youth of the Month Award, revamped the Scholarship Committee process, instituted the first ever Soccer Challenge events and implemented the first Youth Protection programs at the State Council level. As State Community Activities Director Keith coordinated the Knights of Columbus efforts to fight the Amendment 2 ballot issue. Under his leadership all previous records for giving to the Prison Concerns program and the Vitae Caring Foundation were broken, and membership in the Father McGivney Guild tripled in our State. He also instituted the first ever Health Fair as a part of the State Convention. As State Membership Director Keith guided Missouri to another great year with a Circle of Honor Award from Supreme. Under Keith’s leadership four new councils were formed and two older councils re-instituted.

            Keith is a licensed Geologist, having graduated with a B.S. from Eastern Illinois University and a M.S. in Environmental Science from Southern Illinois University. He began his career with Campbell Design Engineering Group in St. Louis and has spent the last 22 years as an Engineer with the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District. In 2005 he was recognized by the Mechanical Contractor Association of Missouri with their Project of the Year Award for work at the District’s Lemay facility. He is a member of the Engineers' Club of St. Louis and the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Resolution of Support from Council 10136

STATE TREASURER

Current State Treasurer Bob Fournier

            My name is Bob Fournier and I am presently serving my third year as State Treasurer. I am a member of St. Philip Benizi Council #12682 in Versailles, a council that I was instrumental in starting. I have served as FS of the council since we were chartered in April of 2000.

            I made my first three degrees in South Carolina in 1965. After spending some time in Viet Nam in 1967, I made my Fourth Degree in 1968, also in South Carolina.

            I have been a member of 6 different councils and five assemblies. I have served as Grand Knight for Duchesne Council #2951 in Florissant and for Eldon Council #7133, in our neighboring community. I have served as Faithful Navigator of Bishop Marling Assembly #2111 here in the lake area.

            Besides being a PGK and PFN, I have served five and a half years as DD, six years as State Chairman, four years as State Director, and presently I am serving my third year as State Treasurer. I also served several years as Commander of the Honor Guard. I have worked on First and Second Degree teams ever since I joined the Knights back in Beaufort, South Carolina.

            My wife, Celeste, and I celebrated our 53rd year of marriage in June of 2009. We have five grown children, 12 grandchildren, nine step-grandchildren, one great grand child and another on the way, and two step-great grandchildren. I am 75 years old and a cradle Catholic.

            I presently serve as Secretary of the Versailles Ministerial Alliance where my wife and I represent our parish. We also represent our parish on the Deanery Pro Life Committee. I have also served on many other church boards, as well as numerous community boards in the past.

 

STATE ADVOCATE

Current State Advocate Dennis Buchheit

             Dennis Buchheit is currently serving as State Advocate for the Missouri State Council.  He is a member of Kirkwood Council 2117, having joined the Order in 1982. Dennis has served that council in many capacities, including the officer positions of Advocate, Deputy Grand Knight, and Grand Knight 1999-2001. He is currently a Council Trustee and Council Activities Director, and has been a member of the First Degree team since 1986. Dennis has also served Kirkwood Council as President of the council’s home association.

            Dennis received the honors of the Fourth Degree member in 1984. He is a member of St. Louis Assembly 565. Dennis feels privileged to serve as a member of the Fourth Degree exemplification team for Eastern Missouri.

            Past State Deputy Mick Gilliam appointed Dennis as District Deputy 40 for two years beginning 2006. He earned the Outstanding District Deputy award in 2008. That same year, Dennis was elected to the office of State Advocate for the Missouri State Council, and he is currently serving his second year in that position.

            Dennis has been married to Susan since 1975 and they have three sons. Dennis feels especially blessed because Susan became a convert to the Catholic faith. Dennis and Susan are members of St. Peter Parish in Kirkwood, Missouri, where Dennis has been active in numerous ways, including as a lector, usher, offertory family and boys’ basketball teams’ coach.
     

            Dennis is a graduate of CBC High School in Saint Louis, Rockhurst College in Kansas City and Saint Louis University School of Law. He has been a licensed attorney in Missouri since 1976, and is currently in private practice in Clayton, Missouri. Dennis is a member of the Volunteer Lawyer Association and performs pro bono legal services for clients who can not afford a lawyer.         

 

STATE WARDEN

Former State Director Richard Van Dyke

             Richard Van Dyke is well qualified for the job of State Warden. He served over twenty years in the U.S. Navy attaining the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer. In 1986 he met and married the beautiful Donna Holmes in Charleston, SC. During his early years he served time with the Marines as a grunt corpsman in Vietnam  where he was wounded in action on 21 Aug 69. After retiring from the Navy in 1988, Richard started working as a Radiology Tech for Liberty Hospital, where for fifteen years he ran the Mobile Diagnostic Unit. This required drawing blood for testing, performing x-rays and EKG's. Richard now works at the VA Hospital in Leavenworth, KS.

             Richard was a District Deputy for four years where he received the Outstanding DD award twice and the Star DD award once. Richard then went on to searve as Recruitment and New Council Development Chairman for the Northwest region for four years. He was then named by PSD Ron Wood to serve as the state's Church Activities Director. It was under his leadership that the Missouri Knights finally acheived our long standing goal of one million dollars for Catholic Education under the Msgr. Joseph Mancuso Catholic Education Grant Program. Richard served as the RIB Director for one year and we raised the third highest amount of contributions towards the RIB program. Richard would be most grateful for your support..