In Memory
Dr. Michael Donovan Koontz, a retired Doctor of Chiropractic and Naturopathic Medical Doctor, passed away on March 20, 2022 in Carmel, Indiana, at the age of 76. He was a loving husband and a father of four, with a zest for life and a passion for learning and for helping others with their health challenges through chiropractic and nutrition.
He was born on March 9, 1946 in Bloomington, Indiana, the oldest of two sons of Robert and Mary Koontz, and grew up in Muncie, Indiana. As a boy he served his church as an altar boy, delivered newspapers, and joined the Boy Scouts of America, where he was proud to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. The outdoors stayed with him for life. He enjoyed walks, hiking, and fishing, took his family on fishing vacations in Wisconsin, and once hiked 80 miles of the Appalachian Trail with his two youngest sons on a trip organized by their Scout troop.
He was rarely found without something to read, whether a book, a newspaper, a magazine, or an article online. He admired owls for the intelligence, wisdom, and patience they represent, and kept a collection of wood, marble, and glass owl carvings.
He met Pamela, the love of his life, at a wedding rehearsal in May 1972, and they were married on May 26, 1973 in Indianapolis. They were partners in life and in business. Pamela managed the office of his chiropractic practice, and later his naturopathic practice, so that he could focus on his patients. He is survived by Pamela, his brother Daniel, his four children, Kraig, Karmel, Michael II, and Travis, eleven grandchildren, and many extended family members and friends.
The complete obituary is available on the funeral home memorial page.
About Dr. Koontz
The following biography is adapted from the Meet the Doctor page of Dr. Koontz's former practice website. It has been lightly edited to reflect that his practice is now closed, while preserving the facts and details from the original page.
Dr. Koontz practiced for more than 35 years in the fields of holistic medicine, pain control, and laser acupuncture. He first began using laser with acupuncture for pain in 1995, and in his later practice he worked with laser rather than needles. In 2001 he received his Naturopathic Medical Doctor degree from the American University of Integrative Medicine (AUIM) in Phoenix, Arizona.
He graduated from Logan College in Chesterfield, Missouri in 1977 and practiced in Florida for many years before returning to Indiana. While practicing in Florida, he ran the first integrated chiropractic and medicine clinic in the state, providing chelation, DMSO therapy, and nutritional IVs. He also held a B.S. degree in Human Biology.
In 1999 he completed his advanced acupuncture certification. He held certifications in Sports Medicine, Physical Therapy, and the Late Effects of Post Traumatic Injuries from falls and auto accidents from the Arthur Croft Institute in California. He completed courses in BRT (balancing the endocrine system), chi-gong (meridian energy balancing), botanical medicine from Western States, digestive disorders from IBS to Crohn's to GERD, hormonal imbalances, and enzyme therapy, to mention only a few.
In November 2012 he opened his inch loss reduction center in Carmel, Indiana, where he practiced as Doc Koontz and offered iBodyIQ non-invasive Lipo-Light fat reduction. He counseled clients on purification programs and detoxing for the restoration of vital energy, and on the importance of taking the proper vitamins to regain optimal health. His center offered laser acupuncture for pain and used the Acugraph 4 to measure and analyze the energy balance of the body.
Professional Life
His path into chiropractic began with family. When his younger brother Daniel started chiropractic school in Indiana, he urged Michael to look into the profession for himself. Michael chose his own school, Logan College of Chiropractic in Chesterfield, Missouri, and graduated as a Doctor of Chiropractic in 1977. While at Logan he was very proud to become a member of the Delta Sigma Chi International Chiropractic Fraternity, Kappa Chapter, and years later he urged his son Michael to do the same when he began chiropractic school.
Before chiropractic school he earned his bachelor's degree in Biology at St Mary's College. He later obtained his license in acupuncture and, in 2001, earned his degree as a Naturopathic Medical Doctor from the American University of Integrative Medicine in Phoenix, Arizona.
Degrees and credentials
- Doctor of Chiropractic · Logan College of Chiropractic, Chesterfield, Missouri, 1977
- Naturopathic Medical Doctor (N.M.D.) · American University of Integrative Medicine, Phoenix, Arizona, 2001
- B.S. in Human Biology
- Bachelor's degree in Biology · St Mary's College
- Licensed in acupuncture · advanced acupuncture certification completed in 1999
Where he practiced
- 1977 to 1984
- Fort Walton Beach, Florida. A multi-doctor integrated clinic, the first integrated chiropractic and medicine clinic in the state.
- 1984 to 1998
- Anderson, Indiana. Private practice.
- 1998 to 2005
- Westfield, Indiana. Private practice.
- 2012 until retirement
- Carmel, Indiana. Wellness care, nutritional counseling, and laser acupuncture in private practice as Doc Koontz, with iBodyIQ non-invasive Lipo-Light fat reduction.
Areas of focus
- Chiropractic care
- Acupuncture and laser acupuncture
- Holistic and integrative medicine
- Pain control
- Nutrition and enzyme therapy
- Wellness and weight management
Curriculum Vitae and Accomplishments
His curriculum vitae is preserved here as it appeared on his practice website, grouped for readability. Select a group to view its entries.
Practice History4 entries
- Private practice, Carmel, Indiana Practicing as Doc Koontz: wellness care, nutritional counseling, laser acupuncture, and iBodyIQ non-invasive Lipo-Light fat reduction
- Private practice, Westfield, Indiana
- Private practice, Anderson, Indiana
- Multi-doctor integrated clinic, Fort Walton Beach, Florida
Colleges and Degrees2 entries
- American University of Integrative Medicine Phoenix, Arizona
- Logan College of Chiropractic Chesterfield, Missouri
Certifications and Advanced Credentials11 entries
- International Academy of Medical Acupuncture (FIAMA) Logan College of Chiropractic · John Amaro, DC, FIAMA, IAMA, NCCAOM
- Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician (C.C.S.P.) Logan College of Chiropractic, St. Louis, Missouri
- Chiropractic Orthopedist (D.A.B.C.O.) National College of Chiropractic
- Independent Medical Examiner Parker College of Chiropractic · Allen Wellberry, DC; Debra Patte, DC, DACBR
- Physical Therapy, Post Graduate Logan College of Chiropractic
- Advanced Roentgenology Radiology Interpretation National College of Chiropractic · Russell Erhardt, DC, DACBR
- Certified Herbalist, Botanical Medicine Modules I, II, III Western States Chiropractic College · James Duke, PhD, and Mark Blumenthal
- Activator Technique, Proficiency Rated Logan College of Chiropractic · Alan Fuhr, DC
- Whiplash: The Masters Certification Program Biomechanics of soft tissue injuries, diagnostics, treatment, TMJ disorders, narrative report writing, med legal issues, injury and impairment scales for motor vehicle accidents, epidemiology, the whiplash phenomenon, electrodiagnostics, soft tissue healing, and independent medical examinations Arthur Croft, DC, MS, DABCO · Spine Research Institute of San Diego
- Certification on Lipo Laser Florence, Kentucky · Bob Arrasmith, PhD
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) St. Francis Hospital
Continuing Education and Seminars44 entries
- Electro-Auricular Symposium National Lincoln College, Lombard, Illinois
- Auricular Acupuncture Logan College of Chiropractic · Terry Olsen, PhD
- Slimline System Lipo Laser Training Chicago, Illinois · Jamie Fettig, DC
- Zerona Laser Training Cincinnati, Ohio · Leonard Macheret, MD
- Q1000 Pain Laser Training Larry Lytle, DDS
- Nutrition for the Wellness Practice Louisville, Kentucky · Bruce Bond, DC
- Thyroid and Carbohydrate Metabolism Metagenics Midwest · Ryan Bentley, DC
- Attaining Hormone Clarity Louisville, Kentucky · Michael Greer, MD
- Bio-Detoxification for Regeneration and Repair Viotron International, Detroit, Michigan · Abbas Qutab, ND, DC
- Hormonal Imbalance HPA vs. Dysfunction Metagenics Midwest · Lena Edwards, MD
- Applied Nutritional Kinesiology George Goodhart, DC
- Koren Specific Technique Tedd Koren, DC
- Functional Endocrinology Standard Process · Janet Lange, DC
- Healthy Hormones Healthy Life Washington, DC · Eric Berg, DC
- Applied Functional Endocrinology Robert Rakowski, DC
- Purification and Weight Management Texas Chiropractic College · Bruce Bond, DC
- Fibromyalgia Symposium Lincoln College of Postprofessional & Graduate Education · Brady Schneider, DC
- Metabolic Biotransformation University of Bridgeport, College of Chiropractic · Robert Rakowski, DC
- Functional Medicine Approach to Management and Prevention of Chronic Disease Metagenics Midwest · David Brady, DC, CCN, DABCBN
- Clinical Applications of Functional Endocrinology Metagenics Midwest · Robert Rakowski, DC
- Blood Chemistries, Digestive Dysfunction · Applied Clinical Nutrition Workshop · Balancing Body Chemistry Viotron International · Harry O. Eldenier, III
- Management of Women's Health Issues University of Bridgeport, College of Chiropractic · Mikell Suzanne Parsons, DC, CCN, DABCBN
- 21st Century Nutrition: Enzymes Logan College of Chiropractic · Howard Loomis, DC
- Practical Nutrition Texas Chiropractic College · Michael Dobbins, DC
- Recent Advancements in Clinical Nutrition Texas Chiropractic College · Anthony Brea, DC
- Biomechanics of the Foot and Lower Extremity Ed Glaser, DPM · Veterans Hospital · Sole Supports
- Nutritional Neuroendocrinology, New Approaches to Anti-Aging Metagenics Midwest · Jeffrey S. Bland, PhD
- Clinical Nutrition Parker College of Chiropractic · Dr. Surprise
- Blood Typing Logan College of Chiropractic · Carolyn Meins, DC
- Whiplash and Spinal Trauma Life Chiropractic College West · Richard Christie, DC, JD
- Documentation and Risk Management Joint dysfunction, sensory input and motor programs, autonomic output, neurology and biomechanics of joint function · Malik Solsberg, DC
- Contact Reflex Analysis and Applied Nutrition Standard Process Labs · Dick Versendal, DC, and Donald Warren, DDS
- Pain and Disability Metagenics Midwest · Jeffrey Spencer, MA, DC, CCSP
- Personal Injury: Mandates of Litigation New York Chiropractic College · Frank Liberti, DC
- Scoliosis Management Fred Barge · Indiana State Chiropractic Association
- Child Abuse / AIDS / Risk Management Indiana State Chiropractic Association · Terrance Pehler, Esq.
- Fibromyalgia and Myofascial Pain Syndromes Parker College of Chiropractic · Jeff Rockwell, DC
- Special Concepts of Whiplash Phenomenon and Medlegal Issues Arthur Croft, DC, MS, DABCO · Indiana State Chiropractic Association
- Disability Evaluation and Rating of Physical Impairment, Applied Spinal Disability John Mazion, PhD, DC, DABCO · Parker Chiropractic College
- Rehabilitation of Lumbar Spinal Dysfunction Scott Banks, DC · Indiana State Chiropractic Association
- Mercy Conference Guidelines Louis Sportelli, DC · Indiana State Chiropractic Association
- M.R.I. Diagnostic Imaging Norman Kettner, DC, DACBR · Logan College of Chiropractic
- Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction Janet Travel, MD; Dana Koor, MD · New Jersey Chiropractic College
- Nemmio, Receptor Tonus Seminars Dr. Nemmio · Logan College of Chiropractic
Volunteer and Community Service2 entries
- Volunteer treating certified chiropractic sports physician Donated much time to the crew teams at Eagle Creek Park and the Cincinnati Rowing Team
- Volunteer, medical staff Pan Am Games
Memorial Links
- Read his full obituary The funeral home memorial page, with the complete obituary and family details.
His Facebook page and LinkedIn profile remain online in his memory.
Family Legacy
His commitment to helping others continues through his children.
His daughter, Karmel Mayo, founder of Reaching Wholeness, LLC, provides professional counseling services with a focus on trauma, emotional healing, and personal growth.
His son, Dr. Michael Koontz, continues the family's chiropractic legacy through his practice in Greece, carrying forward the same commitment to helping people through hands-on care, education, and a deeper understanding of health.