- Date Of Birth: January 6, 1959
- Date Of Death: March 4, 2022
- State: Indiana
Howard E. Kirchenbauer, 63, of Aurora, IN, passed peacefully into the presence of Jesus on March 4, 2022. Howard was born on January 6, 1959, in Baltimore, MD to the late Robert L. & Judith E. (Stone) Kirchenbauer. The family moved to St. Paul, Minnesota, where they lived for 11 years, then moved to Indianapolis in 1972. He graduated from Perry Meridian High School and Central Nine Career Center in 1977. He worked as Purchasing and Detailing supervisor for National Car Sales until 2007 and then continued involvement in the photography and sales fields. Howard specialized in automobile photography, working with the Pace Car Program at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as well as being a member of the Camaro Club with published articles in the Camaro publication, and retired from employment in 2020. Howard was currently working on a book titled Indy 500 Pace Cars, published by CarTech Publishing.
Howard was responsible for cleaning, detailing, and transporting the Indy 500 pace cars from National Car Sales to IMS where he and a crew of friends would stage the cars for photo shoots as well as the introduction lap for the drivers on race day. He worked closely with IMS Officials on each of the races to ensure the cars were ready for the VIP’s and race day festivities. Anyone who knew Howard, knew he strove for perfection in everything. The tenacity at which he approached most everything in his life was tireless, but something that defined every aspect of his world.
Howard’s hobbies included photography of local events, selling photography on fineart.com, diecast pace car reproductions, collecting and selling Indy 500 memorabilia, listening to music, collecting stereo equipment, creating a video of pace car photography, and local band promotion photography. He enjoyed spending time with his wife Brenda, and family, he loved his family very much. Howard and Brenda enjoyed traveling to visit extended family as well as sightseeing trips through parts of the Midwest.
Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Robert L. Kirchenbauer, and Judith E. Kirchenbauer, brother-in-law David M. Colpitts and nephew Joshua N. Littleton.
Survivors include Children: Saundra Kirchenbauer, Ashley Johansen (Johann), Emily Dowell (Jessup). Grandchildren: Liliana Johansen, Elijah Johansen, Ember Dowell. Siblings: Robert F. Kirchenbauer, Russell Kirchenbauer (August Galluzzo), Linda L. Colpitts, Forrest C. Kirchenbauer (Vickie A.) Lisa A. Littleton (Martin J.), Laurel S. Burtner (Dale W.). Nieces and Nephews. And Miss Kitty.
