Caitlin Engel Kochheiser

Caitlin Engel Kochheiser peacefully passed away in the presence of her family on the morning of January 25, 2022, at the age of 32, after a three-and-a-half-year battle with appendix cancer.

Beloved by everyone who knew her, Caitlin’s kindness was only surpassed by her toughness and determination – first as an athlete, then as an educator, and finally in her cancer battle.

Caitlin was born in Indianapolis on October 15, 1985.  She graduated from Zionsville Community High School in 2008 where she was a three-time all-state selection in track in the 4×800-meter relay and a member of the 2005 soccer team which finished runner-up in the state tournament.

Caitlin ran track and cross country as a student at Indiana University. She developed into a competitive steeplechase runner, winning the bronze medal at the Big Ten Conference Championships in 2011 and making the 2013 NCAA Tournament.

After graduating Indiana University with an undergraduate degree and master’s degree, Caitlin landed her dream job as a wellness teacher at Clay Middle School in Carmel. In addition to teaching, Caitlin was an assistant coach for the Carmel cross country and track teams. Caitlin deeply cared about her students and student-athletes, going above and beyond to connect with and mentor the students.

Caitlin is survived by her husband Brian, parents Charles and Melissa Engel, brother Christopher Engel, sister-in-law Kate (Shelby) Engel, niece Sloane Engel, nephew Charlie Engel, father-in-law and mother-in-law Tom and Kristin Kochheiser, brother-in-law Brad Kochheiser, numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins, countless friends, and her students and student-athletes she taught and mentored over the years.

A celebration of life service is being held to honor Caitlin’s life on Saturday, March 5, 2022, at Laurel Hall, 5395 Emerson Way, Indianapolis, IN 46226, from 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm, with a tribute service starting at 3:30 pm.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Appendix Cancer Research Foundation (https://acpmp.org/help-us/donate/), Carmel Education Foundation in Memory of Caitlin Engel Kochheiser (https://secure.qgiv.com/for/caredufou/), or St. Vincent Compassus Hospice Help Foundation (https://hhelpfoundation.org/).