Alex Miles Qualkinbush

Alex Miles Qualkinbush, 40, passed away on August 4,2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Alex grew up in Indianapolis, where he attended Park Tudor School as well as Lawrence Central High School. Growing up, he loved classic Nintendo games and Dennis Rodman. He dyed his hair bright blue to emulate his hero. He worked at O’Malia’s Supermarket and Eastway Court Apartments, the family business which was built by his maternal grandfather and great uncle. He went on to attend the University of Indianapolis and then culinary school at Ivy Tech. Alex was a passionate cook. He enjoyed working at restaurants including Mitchell’s Fish Market but he found even more joy in cooking at home. Alex was famous for making the world’s best hollandaise sauce. After a few years, Alex transitioned to a career in nursing. He earned his RN at Ivy Tech and his NP at the University of Indianapolis. Alex found deeply rewarding work in psychiatric nursing. Alex enjoyed the challenges of the field. He bonded closely with his patients who had often previously felt neglected or misunderstood by the healthcare system. He was praised by his patients for his non-judgmental and empathetic approach. He received two prestigious DAISY Awards for his exemplary compassionate care. In his personal life, Alex was a lifelong cat lover and he felt especially close to his beloved Valentina, Hoss, Hoss, Kitty Kitty, Harold and Bones. He enjoyed spending time outdoors on long hikes. He loved bonding with friends and family on hunting trips. He was passionate about fitness and spending time with his community at Peak Performance Fitness. Every summer, Alex looked forward to tending his family’s garden full of cherry, peach and apple trees. He especially loved tomatoes and planted up to 100 tomato plants each season. Alex is survived by a large and loving family including his parents, James Qualkinbush and Brenda Barker; siblings, Tessa, Damon and Elliot; aunts, Joy Qualkinbush (Dan Hart) and Lynn Capehart; and uncles, Miles Barker, Frank Hobson and Ted Qualkinbush; as well as several cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Bob and Mary Jo Barker and Audra and Theodore Qualkinbush; as well as aunts Caroleen Qualkinbush, Mary Jane Deel and Sud Hobson. In lieu of flowers and in line with Alex’s love for animals, memorial contributions may be made to FACE Low Cost Animal Clinic, 1505 Massachusetts Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46201. A celebration of life will be held at Shirley Brothers Washington Memorial Chapel, 9606 E. Washington St., on Saturday, August 15th from 1-3 PM with a service following at 3 PM. Burial will be private.

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Alex Miles Qualkinbush

May 19, 1986 - August 4, 2026