2025 - 2026

Keith Beardslee

Since completing his two-year term as Grand Knight, Keith has spent this year assuring a seamless transition in leadership for Tony while continuing to be extremely active in new member recruiting, faith activities and supporting nearly every service and fundraising effort of Kirkwood Council 2117.

Keith’s insight, enthusiasm, and persistence continues to be exhibited in all his Council involvement and we have him to thank for the significant growth in our Council over the past several years.

Congratulations Keith on your deserving recognition as Kirkwood Council 2117 Knight of the Year!

2023 - 2024

Edward Jelinek

Buzz Jelinek was honored as Knight of the Year for his dependable involvement throughout the year in all manner of Council activities. Buzz is a regular attendee and participant at Council business meetings, is an involved and helpful fixture at events like Greentree and St Peterfest and served as Chancellor this past Columbian year.

In addition to all of this, Buzz also assumed the role of President for the Kirkwood Columbus Realty Company, initiated an analysis of the organization’s purpose, and ultimately oversaw the formal dissolution of the entity and transfer of its accumulated funds into the Kirkwood Council 2117 treasury.

After this busy year, there was no doubt that Buzz Jelinek was Council 2117 Knight of the Year! Buzz, we thank you for all your hard work and congratulate you!

2022 - 2023

Daniel Koskovich

Brother Dan Koskovich was named 2022-23 Knight of the Year for his dependable commitment to lend a hand or put his many skills to good use whenever needed.

A lot of the work Dan does is behind the scenes but is integral in ensuring the success of our programs. From his IT skills maintaining our databases and website, to his organizing skills at Greentree and other events, his editing of the monthly newsletter and designing flyers and banners, to his accounting skills tracking and reporting our finances, Dan is always there to help us succeed in our various missions.

Dan is a Knight of the Year many times over and we are lucky to have him as a member of Council 2117.

2021 - 2022

Zach Bevins

Brother Zach Bevins was named 2021/2022 Knight of the Year for his many years as the Council 2117 grill master and chef. This past year included preparing pulled pork, chicken and racks of ribs for the summer BBQ fundraiser, grilling for farewell receptions and the officer installation.

Zach was also key to our beer sales success at Greentree where he was tap master for the entire day at the busiest booth at the event.

On top of his cooking and tapping efforts, Zach generously donated a large space in his shop to assemble and store the Nativity Set for last Christmas’ successful fundraiser.

Finally, Zach stepped up to be the Presenting Sponsor of the upcoming 2022 Summer BBQ where his significant financial support of the event virtually assures us a successful outcome for our event featured charities.

We are fortunate to have such an ambitious and generous Knight as our brother…
Zach Bevins was most certainly the Council 2117 Knight of the Year!

2020 - 2021

Ray Buehler

Brother Ray Buehler was named 2020/21 Knight of the Year in recognition of his many efforts in developing and leading the programs designed to reach out and involve members and, most notably, for launching the Drive Thru BBQ fundraiser for Sts Teresa & Bridget food pantry when the pandemic restrictions made holding in person activities nearly impossible.

Despite the obstacles presented by the pandemic, Ray was able to organize a COVID-safe event which produced delicious BBQ and significant funds for the food pantry.

Congrats to Ray Buehler for this well deserved recognition!