06/22/2026
Beloved friends, please find Pam Kirchoff's obituary and service details below
Pamela Kay Messel Kirchoff, age 81, passed away peacefully at home on June 18, 2026, surrounded by family and friends, with a smile on her face.
Pam was born on November 19, 1944, in Vincennes, Indiana, to Kenny and Kathryn Messel. She graduated from Edwardsport High School before attending Indiana University, where she was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and later a Master’s Degree in Library Science, preparing for a career that would touch the lives of thousands of young people.
On August 7, 1976, Pam married the love of her life, Craig Kirchoff, in a ceremony held behind his parents’ home. Their story began long before their wedding day. They met in third grade, attended church together, and grew up as family friends. Craig often said he could not remember a time when he did not know Pam. He also liked to joke that he had a crush on her forever and never understood why she married him—especially since she was the one who asked him. Together they shared forty-nine years and nine months of marriage, which Craig described as “the best of the best.”
Pam dedicated her professional life to education and libraries. She worked at Mishawaka High School, John Young Middle School, and Bloomington South High School before moving with Craig from South Bend to Franklin, Tennessee, in 1985. After the birth of their daughter, Molly, Pam devoted herself to caring for her family before returning to the work she loved as librarian at Grassland Middle School.
A lifelong lover of books and learning, Pam never met a book—or a child—that she did not like. She had a remarkable gift for encouraging young readers, nurturing curiosity, and helping students discover worlds beyond their own through the pages of a book. The impact of her kindness, patience, and enthusiasm will live on in the thousands of lives she touched throughout her years as an educator and librarian.
Pam was also deeply devoted to her faith. An active member of Bethlehem United Methodist Church, she served as a Sunday School teacher and on the Church Council, sharing her wisdom, compassion, and commitment to Christ with her church family.
Beyond her work and service, Pam loved to travel and especially cherished time spent in Aruba. She delighted in making memories with those she loved and treasured every opportunity to be with family.
Pam was preceded in death by her parents, Kenny and Kathryn Messel.
She is survived by her husband, Craig Kirchoff; her daughter, Molly Knapp; her beloved grandsons, River, Ryder, and Roman; her sister, Nancy Boberg and her husband, Wayne; and many extended family members, friends, former students, and church family who will miss her dearly.
A visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Bethlehem United Methodist Church. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 11:00 a.m.
For friends and family who are unable to attend in person, the Celebration of Life will be livestreamed on Bethlehem United Methodist Church’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/.
Family and friends are invited to remain after the service for a reception in the church Banquet Hall, where stories, memories, and fellowship will be shared in celebration of Pam’s life.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Bethlehem United Methodist Church at https://www.bethlehemumc.com/give/bethlehem or to Feed America First at https://www.feedamericafirst.com/pam_kirchoff.
Pam never met a book—or a child—that she did not like. Her love of learning, her devotion to her family, and her steadfast faith touched countless lives. Though her family grieves her loss, they give thanks for a life well lived and for the many chapters of love she leaves behind.
