Alexander Avery Michael "Xander" Wittbrod-Rouse

Alexander Avery Michael “Xander” Wittbrod-Rouse, 16, passed away on October 5, 2025. He was born on May 13, 2009, in Indianapolis.

He was a junior at Carmel High School where he was studying in the engineering and automotive pathways, a member of the Carmel Icehounds hockey team, the track team as a thrower, and previously played on the football team. Xander was known among his peers and teachers as a gentle giant both in the classroom and on the ice. His passion for hockey was a defining part of his life – he dedicated countless hours to practice and games, embracing the sport with determination and enthusiasm.

Beyond athletics, Xander found meaning in service. He attended and volunteered at Sheridan First Baptist Church, where he gave his time generously and connected with others through faith and community. Xander had interests in photography, planes, trains, and cars. He hoped to attend Purdue University to study aeronautical engineering or motorsports. In his free time, he enjoyed computer gaming, biking on the Monon Trail, and spending time with family and friends.

Xander is deeply mourned by his parents, Jenna Rouse of Carmel and Timothy (Maleana) Wittbrod of Sheridan; his siblings Grayson Wittbrod, Eli Wittbrod, Autumn Wittbrod, Scarlett Wittbrod, and Henry Wittbrod; and his grandparents Margaret Rouse, Robert and Sally Wittbrod, William “BK” Kelly, and Kevan Reedy.

He joins in rest his unborn siblings and cousins; grandparents Ethel Kelly, Nancy Ramsey, and Marvin Rouse; and his uncle Tim Rouse who preceded him in death.

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 18, 2025, at 03:00 PM at Cicero Christian Church 1715 Stringtown Pike, Cicero IN 46034. Reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a fund that is being developed, the Alexander Wittbrod-Rouse Legacy Fund, to assist future hockey players.

In his honor, we've established the Alexander Wittbrod-Rouse Legacy Fund, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping young athletes access the same opportunities that shaped his life.

The Alexander Wittbrod-Rouse Legacy Fund empowers young athletes to discover confidence and purpose, both on the ice and off, by removing financial barriers and opening access to the game of hockey.

Hockey is a crazy expensive sport. Through scholarships and program support, the fund will give other young people the same opportunities, camaraderie, and self-belief that the game gave to Alexander.

If you'd like to support this mission, donations can be made through: 

Paypal Donation Link: https://lnkd.in/dGfCjJgP

Venmo: @awrlegacyfund (https://lnkd.in/duWWtJV6)

Suggested Donor Levels: 

$12 - In the Box (2 and 10) - a nod to his time spent in the penalty box 

$75 - 75 Forever - #75 is missed - 

$200 - Power Play - 2:00 in the box

$513 - Gentle Giant - long known as a gentle giant, a tribute to Alexander's 5/13 birthday

$995 - Single Season Assist - 1 year of registration fees for IYHA (Indianapolis Youth Hockey Association) rec league

$6900 - Icehounds Gold Legacy - 1 year of Icehounds varsity hockey with uniform

Thank you to everyone who has reached out with love, support, prayers, and asking how you can help. Alexander's legacy will live on in every young player who finds confidence, teamwork, and purpose through hockey.

The Alexander Wittbrod-Rouse Legacy Fund Inc is a nonprofit corporation organized in Indiana. 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status pending IRS approval. Donations will be tax-deductible retroactively once approved.