Kevin R. Mennel
April 23, 1965 ~ November 20, 2022
Kevin R. Mennel, 57, of Indianapolis, passed away suddenly at his residence on Sunday, November 20, 2022. Kevin was born on April 23, 1965, in Indianapolis to the late Richard “Dick” Mennel and Mary Patricia “Patty” (O’Neill) Mennel.
Kevin graduated in the class of 1983 from Perry Meridian High School where he was active in the school’s band. After high school, Kevin graduated from Ivy Tech Community College where he earned his Associate’s degree and went on to become an ASE Certified Mechanic. In 2002 Kevin began one of the most trusted south-side car shops, Kevin’s Auto Repair. He had an abundance of loyal customers and advanced knowledge of his trade.
Kevin was known for going above and beyond to help his customers; he was incredibly generous and always honest. Kevin not only did honest work, but he did it while keeping absolutely everything in his power to make a repair happen. It was simple, Kevin treated others how he wished to be treated. He didn’t just own a repair shop; Kevin had a “community center” where all on the south side felt welcome to drop by no matter what.
When not working at his shop Kevin could be found fishing, taking a winning trip to the casino, or cheering on his Indianapolis Colts. His grandchildren were very important, especially when it came to spoiling them for Christmas. “Pop” never missed any sporting event or school activity his grandchildren had. If you knew Kevin, you knew how much he cared about everyone he encountered. You always knew where you stood with Kevin. A heart of gold with the humblest persona, Kevin will be deeply missed by his family and customers alike. Kevin’s legacy and service to his customers will live on through his family continuing the trusted service he’s provided for many years.
Survivors include his wife, Lisa (Hawn) Mennel; his children, Cory (Krista) Mennel and Mara Mennel; his siblings, David B. (Julie) Mennel and Kathleen H. (Chris) Painchaud; nieces and nephews, Emily Mennel, Patrick (Taylor) Mennel, Nicholas Mennel; and Chloe Painchaud; grandchildren, Keirsten Boylen, Eleanor Mennel, Lucas Boylen, Landon Mennel, Parker Mennel, Colton Mennel, Phoenix Cochran, Piper Mennel, and Skyler Cochran; most trusted friend and coworker, Terry Marra; and a host of friends, extended family members, and loyal customers.
Kevin’s Life Celebration® visitation will be held on Monday, November 28, 2022, from 3:00 to 8:00 PM in the chapel at O’Riley- Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, 6107 South East Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46227. On Tuesday, November 29, 2022, additional visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM. Morning Prayers will be said at the funeral home prior to the celebration of Mass at 11:30 AM. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 29, 2022, at 12:00 PM in St. Mark Catholic Church, 535 East Edgewood Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana 46227.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital; envelopes will be provided at the funeral home. Following the celebration of Mass, Kevin will be laid to rest near his parents in Calvary Cemetery, Indianapolis.
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Kevin was a great guy. My family took our vehicles there for many years and always felt secure knowing that we would be treated fairly, honestly and promptly. My condolences to Lisa and the family and staff.
So sorry to hear about Kevin. I’ve been gone from Indy since 2014, but Kevin kept my car in great shape for 15 years prior to my move. I always felt confident of his skills, and honesty. Thinking of Lisa, and the entire family with love and prayers for your comfort ߘ°ߒߙ
I am so sad to hear of Kevin’s passing. He was the very best mechanic that I have ever known. He will be truly missed. Prayers for Lisa and family! ߒհߙ
My heart breaks ߒ”
My condolences to all the Mennel Family! Kevin was so good to me when we used to take adults on bus trips all over the state through St. Roch Parish. He donated two gift certificates for oil changes for every trip. We used them for prizes on the bus ride. What a kind man…always trying to make the world a happier place. May he rest in peace with his wonderful mom and dad.
I didn’t know Kevin very well but I always trusted him to take care of my vehicles. He always gave you the right information and always did a great job for the money. I don’t know where I’ll turn to now to have my vehicle maintenance. You’ll be missed Kevin.
Kind person. Helped so many. Especially my family. Rest In Heaven.
Anne Hohenberger family
Kevin was a very kind man and a great mechanic who helped our family many times condolences and prayers for Lisa , family and staff he will be missed
They didn’t come any better than Kevin. The world lost one of the truly genuine good ones. You will be missed Kevin.
One of the best guys around .
My heart just breaks for Lisa and his family. I can’t even begin to describe how much we appreciate his honesty and his kindness throughout the years
My God bless you all from the bottom of our hearts
The Landis family
Gerald Terri Nick Chris Nathan & Morgan
Thank you Kevin and Lisa for all you have done for the Pearcy and Sweeney family for so many years! Your honesty and compassion for others was a blessing to all. Prayers to Lisa and his family. You will be missed by so many.
Kevin was a true small- town mechanic in a large city! He could be trusted and I can remember times he would not charge me for looking at our vehicle before we went on vacations. This is so rare in today’s world and it was much appreciated. I often referred others to his shop and they were always pleased. He will truly be missed for his kindness and honest work. May God bless his family in the coming days.
Mary and Chris Kitchen
We are thinking of you. Our warmest condolences,
Kevins garage was my safety place. I knew I would get the best service. I’ve been a customer for over 15 years. Kevin you went too soon and will be missed. I will miss you helping me and coming in the office with a smile. Prayers and love to your family. Thank you for your service for all these years. Geri Sears
My prayers go out to the family. Kevin was such a good man and will be missed dearly ߙϰߙ
I am so shocked and sad. Kevin such a great man and so kind. My prayers go out to Lisa and family. He will be truly missed. Nancy Smith and Mary Stapp Family.
Dave, I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. I remembered his name being Kevin, so I thought it must be your brother. I lost my only sister four years ago…It’s so hard. I’ll be praying for your family during this difficult time. I am back in Greenwood, if you and Julie need someone to talk to.
Always loved talking to Kevin about what was wrong with my car, he was very good getting at the problem and correcting it, he will be missed by alot of people and Liza, I’m praying for you and your family.
I can’t say enough about what Kevin has done for my family over the last 20 years. He was honest, smart, kind, funny and a very good friend. He will be missed by so many. My heart goes out to Lisa and her family… Comfort and Prayers ❤️ߙ
Springer Family
Kevin was the most honest and reliable mechanic I have ever met. He will be sorely missed. Blessings to his family and I pray to God for their healing.
Kevin was a very kind-hearted and honest mechanic who cared for his customers I will feel lost without him when I go in there and see everyone and his smiling face isn’t there he really took care of our family he knew I was a single mother of twins my kids went to school with his daughter he gave them their first job sweeping his parking lot when they were young and when they got older he made sure that they got a car that he had serviced and was kept up anytime I wanted to buy a car he would look at it and make sure that it was a decent car that had nothing wrong with it everyone I ever sent to him he instantly became their mechanic that was just the kind of guy he was because you just don’t meet those kind of people much anymore he was very special to us his whole family is and I’ve been praying for each and every one of them and with this being Thanksgiving I just want to say I’m so thankful to have known him he has given so much to our community and I’m glad to know his legacy will live on because he’s hired really good mechanics and I will still have a place to take my car and know I’m getting the best service and not being ripped off but I am heartbroken he will always be remembered for the kind soul and giving heart that he had by not only me but everyone in my family and all his customers in the community rest in peace my friend you will be remembered and missed by everyone that’s ever known you with love, Luann, Dylan and Daniel Cox
Lit a candle in memory of Kevin R. Mennel
Kevin always was very kind hearted
Krista and Family, We are so very sorry for your loss. We are praying for you all.
Our condolences to lisa and the family.
Kevin was the most honest and knowledgeable mechanic I’ve ever known. I will most definitely miss his expertise as well as his kindness.
This is a shocking news. We didn’t know he passed away. He is a good man. Lisa and Kevin always there for me and Don. We really trust his service and we always go to him when we have problems with our car. He will be missed. Rest in peace. God will take care of you now our friend.ߙϰߙϰߙ
We are so very sorry to hear of Kevin’s passing. Thoughts and prayers for Lisa and the family. We moved here 20 years ago and could count on Kevin when we had a problem with the vehicles. I remember calling Kevin’s shop about 4 years ago with a problem, Lisa spoke to Kevin and he said get here quick you got about 20 minutes before your battery will be dead. Kevin was right the battery died on the way to his shop, I called the shop, Lisa asked where I was and then said Kevin’s on his way. Kevin and one of his crew came, jump started my car and took it to the shop. The car was fixed in a couple of hours. That is service and that is why we took our cars to Kevin. He was great and will be missed.
Lord Bless Kevin’s Family during their season of grief, comfort them to remember your faithfulness. Kevin will be greatly missed and not easily forgotten. Appreciated the times I had to get to work to keep the family provided for and needed the car road worthy. Lord Bless Kevin’s soul with your peace. From the Duggar Family
Lit a candle in memory of Kevin R. Mennel
Such a shock to hear of Kevin’s passing, and our prayers go out to Lisa and the family and their whole Kevins auto crew. Kevin and Lisa have always been very special to us and took very good care of our vehicles and we’re good friends to us. Our hearts and prayers are with you all.
I was so shocked and saddened to see the sign at his shop today. He was such an extremely nice, honest and hard working man. His has helped me on more than one occasion with my car situations and I was always comfortable in knowing it was being done right. I once told him he reminded me of my father who passes away 39 years ago November 23. May God be with his family during this holiday season and continue to comfort them in all the days ahead.
Kevin will be missed! Kevin and Lisa was always there for us! Kevin was a kind man and would always go out of his way to help!
Kevin was a long time friend and my go to mechanic for years.. He will be missed ! My condolences to his family , Prayers your way .Mr Bailey
Prayers to Lisa and family. Kevin was a rare man, decent and kind always friendly and helpful. He will be missed.
Kathy Matthias
I met Kevin several years ago right after he moved his shop from McFarland to Thompson Road. I was surprised to see Lisa because I had worked with her a few years before. This was a shock to hear about. I will be praying for Lisa and her family. Such a great loss at a young man.
Sent with love and remembrance, Sheila (Hawn) LaDuct
man I hate to hear the world lost another good man. definately a man of utmost integrity. the role model of what a reputable person should be in life and business. I can honestly say I’ve never heard a negative remark from anyone about this man
Kevin took such good care of everyone in my family! There isn’t anyone else we would trust with looking after our vehicles. My husband, Andy, met Kevin through Mike Monaghan. Now all 3 of them are in heaven cutting up until the rest of us join them. Thank you Kevin for all you did for me and my family! You will definitely be missed. ߒ
Prayers to Lisa and the family. Kevin and Lisa were always so kind. Kevin was my mechanic for the past 20 years. He was always willing to accommodate my schedule and work me in. He was very reasonable and reliable. The south side community has lost a wonderful mechanic and an amazing person.
A very wonderful person. Good friend and mentor of my late husband. Honest and trustworthy in the automotive repair business. Kevin will be truly missed. Rest easy
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
May God comfort your hearts as only He can,
With deepest sympathy,
Kevin was a kind, caring and professional man. I have taken my car to Kevin for 20 years and consider him one of the nicest people I have ever known. My sympathy to Lisa, all of Kevin’s family and each of his co-workers. Kevin, your positive impact on our lives will not be forgotten. Verlann Major
Kevin will be missed. He was a good, and honest man. He would go above and beyond to help people out. He’s got a special place in Heaven. RIP Kevin.
From Debbie Evans, Stardust is my email.
Kevin will be missed,RIP He was a great person and very helpful and went out of his way to get you back on the road. Thank you
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May our Lords grace embrace Kevin in His loving arms. Rick and Susie Binford
We will miss Kevin, we appreciated his great service and kindness always. Our thoughts and prayers too Lisaand the family.
Kevin and his family in our thoughts and prayers.
Ann & Emily Gang
I am keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers.
So sorry for your loss. Kevin worked on our automobiles for many years. We could always trust that he wouldn’t fix anything that didn’t need fixing. He was a very honest and trustworthy man. He will be missed by everyone that knew him. May he rest in peace with Our Lord. Prayers for all his family as they prepare their goodbyes. God Bless, Tom and Betty Reese
Thoughts and prayers for your family. Kevin was our mechanic for many years and we were shocked and saddened to hear of his sudden passing. The Fritz Kriese family will truly miss him and all of the help that he gave us throughout the years.
Our sympathy, prayers, and support to the family of Kevin. As a neighbor and customer we will miss him greatly. Thank you Kevin for all the blessings you have given to so many of us.
May you rest in peace in the palm of God’s hand.
Jim and Lori Tobin
When we first moved into our house on Teak, my mom had seen Kevin walk into the house at Dick and Patty’s on Christmas Eve. He was dressed as Santa Claus. We had a pretty rough day and we were all sitting around pretty sad. Mom had asked Kevin if he could stop by the house and wave from the outside as he passed by our outside window. Even though it was just one person, in my mind, I had seen 8 reindeer, a sleigh, Santa in all his glory, and pixie dust and stars and magic following right behind him. It was such a simple act but my 5-year-old mind saw something special and even my grandpa had said he’d believed in Santa at that moment. That’s who Kevin was. Willing to do whatever for whom ever.
Love the Fleck Family
Such a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing.
Well what can I say but I am shocked what a great guy you were you will be greatly missed Kevin may you rest in paradise
Kevin Mennel was the example of a Servant Leader. He knew how to run a business as he leaned on the Holy Spirit for wisdom, kindness, and selflessness. My very first experience was when I was first on my own 26 years ago and could barely afford repairs. He replaced my inferior big box parts for OEM for free. He has touched our hearts as well as every car we have owned. RIP my Brother in Christ. Prayers to Lisa & the rest of the family in their time of loss.
Deepest sympathy to the family of Kevin Mennel. Kevin has worked on my car for several years. He was a trusted, talented mechanic who worked on many of our cars at Indiana Members Credit Union. This comes at such a shock and I want Lisa and the family to know he will be greatly missed♥️
Our sincere condolences to Lisa, the family, and employees of Kevin’s Auto Repair… Kevin was our favorite mechanic… Honest as the day is long, he was a friend to all of our cars as well as to us. He kept them running with skill and ‘sticktuitiveness’… We are reminded of his loss everytime we drive by and don’t see his Hummer parked there… Kevin will be sorely missed in the community. RIP, Kevin…