Katharine L. Church

Katharine Louise Landman Church, our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend entered into Eternal Life after a brief battle with cancer on October 20, 2025, at the age of 81 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Born October 13, 1944, in Evanston, Illinois to Robert Sr. and Rosanne Landman, she was a tenacious child who grew to be “the life of the party” to a woman of great faith. She was tough and resolute, yet caring and loyal. She was a pillar of strength and the voice of reason in any situation and showed hopefulness and peace even in her final days on earth.

She was the glue that kept family and friends connected. She dedicated her life to God, her family, and her community - always there with a listening ear, firm advice, or a witty remark. These deep connections formed the foundation upon which she built a beautiful life.

Kathie graduated from St. Joan of Arc Catholic School (Indianapolis) in 1958. She then attended St. Agnes Academy High School (Indianapolis) and served as class president her senior year, graduating in 1962. During her college years at St. Xavier College (Chicago), she was a member of The Castaways folk-singing group and performed at several "hootenannies” where she met her future husband.

Kathie married James Walter Church in 1966 and after teaching 6th grade History at St. Isaac Jogues Catholic School, they started their family. Together they raised four children: Karen Winternheimer (Stuart), Julie Pruitt (Rob), Katie Church, and Brian Church (Haley). Her pride and joy were her 14 grandchildren; Sarah, Susie, and Thomas Winternheimer; Danny, John, Anna, and William Pruitt; Frederick and Sawyer Reising; and Lily Brown, Ben, Oliver, Theo, and Declan Church.

Kathie was active at her home parish of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church during the early years of family life and took on the role of CYO Youth Leader for several years where they called her “Mother Church.” The family then joined Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church where she was an active member for many years and spent countless hours volunteering for the school and church, with many of those coaching kickball. She received both the CYO Msgr. Albert Busald Service Award and the St. John Bosco Medal for dedicated service for her commitment to youth. She was a humble homemaker who devoted her life to serving others. She gave of herself generously, always there to lend a helping hand.

She eventually took a job at Bishop Chatard High School starting as a cafeteria assistant, then worked several years as their Book Store Manager, and then back to working in the cafeteria. She also ventured outside the kitchen on her days off to plant flowers and tend to the landscaping around the campus as she had an amazing green thumb. Kathie was honored to receive an annual BCHS Achievement Award Medal. Kathie retired from BCHS after 38 years in May 2025.

After decades of living in Meridian Kessler, they moved out of the neighborhood and joined Christ the King Catholic Church. If Kathie was not working at Bishop Chatard High School, or managing their neighborhood HOA as their president, she could be found working tirelessly in her beautiful garden or being the ultimate fan at whatever sporting event or extracurricular activity her grandkids were involved in. In recent years she loved visiting Sacred Acres, a family property that was a retreat from city life where she could enjoy the peaceful lake, birds, and nature…her presence will be felt there for years to come. She will be remembered for the joy and humor she brought to every family gathering and all the ways she made her grandchildren feel loved and special.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Robert Landman Jr. (Sugar Bob). She is survived by her husband, Jim Church; her children, and her grandchildren; sister, Sue Yaggi and sister-in-law, Jody Landman; numerous nieces and nephews and many friends. She was one-of-a kind and will be missed by many, near and far.

Family and friends to gather for visitation at Leppert Mortuary and Crematory Services on October 28, 2025, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. A second visitation will take place at Christ the King Catholic Church from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Christ the King Catholic Church, 5884 Crittenden Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46220, on Wednesday, October 29 at 11:00 am. Kathie will be laid to rest at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bishop Chatard High School (5885 Crittenden Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46220) or CYO (580 Stevens St, Indianapolis, IN 46203) in her memory.