Balagopal-Karumathil Keralavarma-Obituary

Photo courtesy of Solan Pruzin Funeral Home & Crematory - Schererville

Balagopal Karumathil Keralavarma

Schererville, Indiana

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DIED
September 1, 2025
LOCATION
Schererville, Indiana

Obituary

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Solan Pruzin Funeral Home & Crematory - Schererville Obituary

Dr. Balagopal Karumathil Keralavarma, affectionately known as Babu, aged 55, passed away Monday September 1st, 2025. He is survived by his loving wife Anitha, his three children Mallika, Arjun, and Manjari, his mother Githa, and his sister Brinda. 


Babu was born in Washington D.C. on February 13, 1970 to Githa Keralavarma and the late Kochunny Keralavarma. He was raised in Chennai, India and was an avid soccer player in his youth. He attended medical school at Madras Medical College in Chennai, India where he served as both the Sports Secretary and Captain of the Soccer Team. Babu completed his Internal Medicine residency and Fellowship in Hematology and Oncology at the University of Illinois, Chicago. 


Babu was a board-certified medical Oncologist/Hematologist practicing for 25 years in Northwest Indiana. He specialized in compassionate treatment for patients diagnosed with cancer or blood disorders and has touched the lives of many. He was passionate about his work and did everything he could for everybody – consulting for loved ones and strangers alike thousands of miles away all over the world. Babu loved his family and friends dearly. Going out to family dinners, watching action movies, and cracking open a beer (or two) with his best friends were amongst his favorite activities. 


In loving memory, friends and family are invited to attend a visitation and pay their respects 


On Saturday, September 6th, 2025 


From 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm (central time)


At The Solan Pruzin Funeral Home 


14 Kennedy Ave, 


Schererville, IN 46375. 


The cremation rites will be held privately with close family after the visitation. 


Your presence, prayers, and fond memories will be of great comfort to the family during this time as we gather to celebrate a man so loved and a life so beautifully lived. 


In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to https://www.stjude.org a cause that was very important to him.


To watch the live stream, please go to:  https://www.youtube.com/live/ubRflWPIJ-Q


 

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Bala was a friend I had known from my college days. He loved playing football and chatting with friends. He was a very intelligent guy who grasped the nuances of complex oncology work more than most, I know. I loved the fact that he was calm and measured during conversations. He had his way of putting forward his points in a very confident but equally considerate manner so as to not hurt the feelings of others. He was a great listener. He always had time to not just ask the question but...

Dear Babu, it's been a pleasure and privilege working with you in the same office. Whenever I would refer patients to you, I would always share my trust in your medical expertise, your wonderful empathetic personality and let them know that they will be well taken care of in your capable hands. I'll sorely miss your loud, boisterous greeting across the hall saying, "HOW ARE YOU MADAM", bringing a bright smile to my face. You'll be missed deeply both as a friend and a dear colleague. Praying...

I too one of his patients for the past six years. He was always bubbly kind and had a great spirit when times for a cancer patient did not feel bubbly. His legacy will live on through his family, friends and his patients. May our Lord bring everyone comfort and peace at this time

My dear Babu, it’s been a challenging couple of weeks and much more to come. I learnt so much more in this period being there and listening to everyone.

You are a sunshine, a flower you just gave (the light, perfume, the love..) to everyone irrespective of who needed it. True love, tenderness, generosity, compassion, kindness, genuine,.. are the words I continue to hear.

You knew much more about living, being genuine, being human and acted on it. You understood...

I had only spoken with him a couple of times at Franciscan but he left such a strong impression of friendliness, passion for his work, and utter care and compassion for his patients. I was shocked and saddened to hear of his passing and my thoughts go out to his loved ones.

Dr Keralavarma's remarkable empathy and warm spirit will always be remembered. Working alongside him for so many years was a privilege. Deepest condolences are extended to his family and all who were touched by his kindness".

Our 5 West Oncology Family Will Miss This Amazing, Kindhearted, Caring Doc! We Will Always Remember Our Dr. Kerlaverma. Ur Smile And World Of Knowledge Will Be Missed! ♥

Dr. Keralavarma was an angel. Because of him, my father was diagnosed early with lung cancer. He called my mother from his car and told her if she needed anything to just call. Over time cancer came back in other areas, but we had an other 12 years with my Dad because he had this incredible doctor. He would always say "hi" when I would see him at work at the hospital. He was so caring and friendly and his absence will be felt for a very long time. My prayers are with your family.

Uncle is the epitome of someone who always shows up. So incredibly generous in every way. I cannot think of uncle without his smile, warmth, and lightheartedness. You were such a presence and light in all our lives. You loved so fiercely and lived so intentionally, and it is so evident in all the lives and hearts you touched. We love you and miss you so much, uncle.