Life and Legacy

 Louise Rose Marie (Kleinrichert) Eykholt passed away on September 19, 2026, at St. Anne Communities in Fort Wayne, Indiana, surrounded by many family members. Born on November 13, 1933, in Buffalo, New York, she was the first child of Margaret “Peg” Louise Toyne and Herbert John Kleinrichert, both Indiana natives. A devoted Catholic, Louise was a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose life centered on God, family, and service to others. Her greatest joys were her faith and the blessing of sharing life with a loving husband and devoted father to their children. 

Education and Early Vocation

Louise graduated from Washington-Clay High School in Roseland, Indiana. In September 1951, she entered the Sisters of St. Joseph convent in Tipton, Indiana, a teaching order. Although she had wanted to become a nun since age 13, Louise left before taking vows and began teaching at a Catholic school. 

Marriage and Music

 When Louise’s former organ instructor learned she was back in town, he asked her on a date and then whether she wanted to go steady. She declined. A moment later, he proposed marriage; she accepted on the condition that they would have ten children. Louise and Richard H. Eykholt married on June 12, 1954, at Christ the King Church in South Bend. Gifted singers and musicians, they served both separately and together in churches and choirs, providing music for weddings, funerals, and regular Masses throughout their years in Michigan and Indiana. After settling in Fort Wayne, the “City of Churches,” they led music at St. Charles, St. Mary’s, St. John the Baptist in both New Haven and Fort Wayne, St. Patrick’s, St. Jude’s, and St. Anne’s. They retired from St. Henry’s around 2010. 

Family, Faith, and Service 

While raising their ten children, Louise also cared for elderly relatives and friends in her home, church, and community. Her final and most loving caregiving role was for Richard, who died in 2015. As her children grew and left home, she resumed organ lessons, taught more piano students, cared for grandchildren, and continued serving the church. In 2019, Louise moved to St. Anne Communities, where she enjoyed daily Mass and continued playing the organ and piano. Louise played an important role in a longstanding Charismatic prayer community, touching many lives through her faith, prayers, music, and steadfast commitment. She volunteered with organizations including the March of Dimes and La Leche League, and supported Unbound financially while corresponding with individuals in Guatemala, Colombia, and other distant lands. 

Final Years

 In her later years, Louise enjoyed games and entertainment and received compassionate care from the staff of St. Anne Communities. During her final days, the team from Luminary Hospice cared for her with great kindness. 

Family

 Louise is survived by her brother, John Kleinrichert; her sister, Joan Homan; eight children—Joseph (Karen) Eykholt, Margaret (George) Machlan, Dan (Meely) Eykholt, Ed (Lori) Eykholt, Jean (Dave) Miller, Jerry (Deirdre) Eykholt, Christine (Michael) Friesel, and Kathleen Weidner; 19 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren, with one more on the way. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Nancy (Perry) Pence; her sisterin-law, Harriett (Joe) Szoke; her daughter, Mary (Dave) Winners; and her son, John Eykholt. 

Services and Memorials

 A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on October 1, 2026, in the chapel at St. Anne Communities, 1900 Randallia Drive, with calling one hour before the service. Visitation will be held from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. on September 30 at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Avenue, Fort Wayne, with the rosary beginning at 2:30 p.m.

 In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Henry Catholic Church in Fort Wayne.