Richard Harry Eykholt

Richard Harry Anthony Eykholt (87), of Fort Wayne, passed away on Wednesday with his family by his side. Richard (Dick) was born October 14, 1928 in Waukegan, IL and was the son of Hendrikus “Harry” Eykholt and Margaret Frances Dougherty Eykholt. Richard’s father was the owner of several bakeries, including the Dutch Maid Bakery in Goshen, IN.

Dick attended Notre Dame University, was a member of the marching band, and graduated with a degree in music education in 1950, after which he spent eight months at the Holy Cross Seminary. He was accomplished with the organ, piano, coronet, clarinet, violin, and guitar. His tenor voice was beautiful. He began his career teaching at Atwood High School in Kosciusko County and furthered his training with St. John’s College in Collegeville, Minnesota. He was an organist, music minister, and teacher for St. Vincent DePaul in Elkhart, St. Leo in Detroit, MI, Christ the King in South Bend, St. Thomas in Ann Arbor, MI, St. Alphonsus’ in Dearborn, MI. In 1957 Richard and his young family moved to Fort Wayne, where he was worked for St. Charles Borromeo, St. Mary’s, St. John the Baptist (Fort Wayne), St. John the Baptist (New Haven), Benoit Academy, and St. Henry’s. His many years of service to the Catholic Church were matched in love and devotion to his wife, Louise Rose Marie (Kleinrichert) Eykholt, who often sang in the choir, planned the liturgy, and played the organ at Mass. Dick and Louise were married in June 1954 at Christ the King in South Bend.

Survivors include Louise and their children, Joseph (Karen Solheim) of Los Altos, CA; Margaret (George) Machlan of Fort Wayne; John of Addison, TX; Daniel (Meely) of San Jose, CA; Edward (Lori) of Redmond, WA; Jean (David) Miller of Vandalia, OH; Gerald (Deirdre Green) of Verona, WI; Christine (Michael) Friesel of Bloomington, IN; and Kathleen (Jeffrey) Weidner of Fort Wayne. Richard is blessed with 19 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his dear daughter, Mary Frances (Carl) Winners, his sister, Harriett Marie Szoke, and his brother, John “Jack” Eykholt, who died in service during World War II.

Richard was a man of remarkable faith, patience, strength, and generosity. He always demonstrated deep joy for his family, his friends, and the Lord.