Straight from the still

Hi everyone,

I would like to reach out and send a big thank to you everyone for the kind words and deeds expressed before and after the passing of my father, Meryl Kerkhoff.

It’s been said “A person’s wealth is not measured by what they have accumulated as personal possessions, but rather by the amount of friends they have.” By the assembly of friends at dad’s funeral, he was a wealthly man.

I know I might miss someone – so if I do, I’ll apologize in advance. First off, a huge thank you to my partner and friend Scott Bush for getting the news of dad’s death out to the newsletter list and the emotional tribute he wrote for dad. Thank you very much, Scott. That release prompted Steve Long with Channel 44, who had interviewed dad several years ago, to do a tribute on KMEG TV in Sioux City. Thanks to Steve Long and his crew.

Thank you to Channel 13 TV Des Moines and Radio Iowa for the news segments they broadcasted. Thank you to Jason Walsmith for the toast at Rock and Rye last Saturday night. Thanks to Fred Weissmuller and his family for the catered breakfast, beautiful bouquets and plants from Wirtz Beverage of Illinois and Wirtz Beverage of Iowa and Infinium Spirits of California.

Thank you to Kevin Boersma and the Templeton Rye team for the toast to dad at the cemetery. Everyone got a chuckle out of that and it lifted our family’s heavy hearts – it was excellent timing. A big thank you to Father Grallup, The Knights of Columbus (both 3rd and 4th degree), the choir, and to all the alter society ladies, for the food and food preparation. To all the neighbors and friends, a big thank you. A big thanks to the long-traveled relation and friends – one cousin even traveled all the way from Connecticut.

Thank you to my college football teammates and their families. Most importantly, a big thank you to all the doctors and nurses for your excellent care giving during dad’s visits, he knew everyone on a first-name basis. To my mother and two sister-in-laws, in the medical field, a huge thank you for the care giving you provided. Dad expressed many times how he was thankful to have you at his side. It’s been said “the greatest gift a parent can give their children is to love their spouse.” Thanks mom and dad for loving each other and making us a great family.

Sincerely,
Keith Kerkhoff, Distiller and Co-Founder