Paul Joseph Kirkhoff MD

Dr. Paul Joseph Kirkhoff, 93, passed away quietly on Sunday morning, February 14th, surrounded by members of his family. He was born on May 23, 1922, in Indianapolis, the son of Ruth (Williams) and George Francis Kirkhoff. He was the oldest of three children and is survived by his sister Martha (Kirkhoff) Commons and a brother, George Francis Kirkhoff. His wife of 47 years, Mary Virginia (Kremer) Kirkhoff, preceded him in death in 1993. He attended Our Lady of Lourdes Grade School and Shortridge High School. He attended Butler University, transferring to Indiana University at Bloomington when he decided to pursue a medical degree, which was financed with assistance from the US Army. Dr. Kirkhoff completed a one-year internship at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis and then served two years in the military as the post pediatrician at Fitzsimmons General Hospital in Denver, Colorado. While there he learned a blood transfusion technique for newborn babies with deficient RH factors that he brought back to Indianapolis, saving the lives of many children. After serving a residency at St. Vincent Hospital, he took over Dr. J.C. Carter’s pediatric practice. Dr. Kirkhoff was one of the first pediatricians in Indianapolis. He was a charter member of Community Hospitals and helped build Community Hospitals East and North. He operated his pediatric practice until 1978 when he started practicing emergency medicine. He established emergency room admission procedures, which are still used today in Community Hospitals, referred to as the “Kirkhoff Laws.” Dr. Kirkhoff took his services to MedCheck Castleton, operated by Community Hospitals, where he also served as the Medical Director for the MedChecks. Dr. Kirkhoff received the “Physician of the Year” award at the Community Hospital’s Fifth Annual George A. and Margaret M. Kuhn Memorial Awards Banquet held on June 26, 1979 at the Sheraton West Hotel. He was a Master bridge player, competing in many tournaments with his partner, Dr. Gordon Jones. He enjoyed participating with the Hardee’s Breakfast Group after daily Mass at St. Matthew Church. And he loved his Wednesday night dinners with the “oldies.” He is survived by his children Jane Kirkhoff Johnson, Jill Kirkhoff Alerding, Jeff (Mary) Kirkhoff, Steve (Mary Ann) Kirkhoff, Joseph Kirkhoff, and Jay (Sandy) Kirkhoff, 14 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his faithful companion and best friend, Toby. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at Feeney-Hornak Keystone Mortuary at 71st and Keystone Avenue from 3:00PM to 7:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 4100 East 56th Street, Indianapolis, IN, where Dr. Kirkhoff was a charter member on Thursday, February 18, 2016 at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Matthew Church.