Steven Lyle Kohls was born December 12, 1949, in Ortonville, Minnesota to Milton Kohls and Marcella (Anderson) Kohls. He was raised on a farm in western Minnesota where his love for nature and wildlife began.

Steve graduated from Ridgewater Community College with his AA degree and first experienced newspaper life working a summer at the Ortonville Independent as a reporter and photographer. After obtaining his bachelor's degree from Minnesota State University-Moorhead, he worked at the Daily News in Wahpeton-Breckenridge, the Country Echo in Pequot Lakes, and the Journal in New Ulm. Steve joined the Brainerd Dispatch as a photographer in 1975 and has worked there ever since. His career at The Dispatch earned him many news photography awards and included a trip to the White House to photograph President Ronald Reagan with Brainerd's teacher of the year.

Steve was an adjunct photography instructor at Central Lakes College for nearly 20 years. Steve was made to teach photography on location, bringing students to state parks, conservatories, historical sites, and all over the Northwoods.

Steve loved everything about bears and photographed polar, brown and black bears in the wilds of Alaska. Steve also loved the beauty of Minnesota and captured wildflowers through his incredible eye. Coneflowers on the family farm were one of his favorites.

Steve was married to Lisa Strelow Kohls for 19 years. His favorite place to be was in their apple orchard in an Adirondack chair under the gazebo with a fire going. Steve's daughter likes to joke that in Brainerd her name isn't Megan, it's "Steve Kohls' daughter."

To know Steve was to feel seen. Steve often referred to his fondness for the "oddballs and misfits" like himself. His smile and his laugh could renew your soul.

If you couldn't find Steve at the paper, you could find him in woods setting up time-lapse equipment, scuba diving at the Crosby iron ore pits, telling stories, or carrying the message of AA. Steve often commented that he got to do all the things he did because of his sobriety. Steve celebrated 46 years of sobriety this year and has helped countless others on their journey.

Steve was humble about his art and constantly amazed when others were in awe of his photos. He was floored that so many people came to see his presentation covering his years as a news photographer at the Central Lakes College Rosenmeier Forum and his photography exhibit at the Crossing Arts Alliance. He recently started his photography website after years of work and planning.

He carried with him the history of Brainerd, all of our stories, our bright and difficult moments, and the absolute joy he found in being a part of this community.

To honor Steve, remember to give that hug, send that text, and love extra hard. Above all, see the beauty in this world as Steve saw it.

Steve was preceded in death by his father, Milton Kohls, his mother, Marcella Kohls, his sister, Nancy Berge, his nephew, Joel Berge, and many friends and loved ones.

Steve is survived by his wife, Lisa Strelow Kohls, his daughter, Megan Kohls, his nephew Nathan Berge, his step-sons Bill Strelow and Aaron Strelow, his step-granddaughters Kailee Beck, Cami Strelow and Ariah Strelow, and many extended family members and friends.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, November 16, 2025, from 3:00-5:00 p.m. at Nelson-Doran Funeral Home in Brainerd. A funeral will take place on Monday, November 17, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Baxter. Coffee, tea, and bars will follow the service. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery at 3:30 p.m. All are welcome at any or all events.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Northland Arboretum, Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Baxter, or your local AA group.