Louise A. vanKalken

Louise Anita (Bohle) vanKalken, 96, passed away peacefully at the Elliot Hospital in Manchester New Hampshire, on Sunday, July 26, 2026, surrounded by her loving family and close friends.

Born in Bedford, New Hampshire on December 9, 1929, Louise was the daughter of Johannes and Maria Pauline (LeRoij) Bohle. She was predeceased by her four brothers, three sisters, and her beloved husband of 71 years, Adrian. Louise is survived by three children: son Daniel A. Van Kalken and his wife Judy (Butka) Van Kalken of Dunbarton, New Hampshire; daughter Maria P. van Kalken and her partner Hal Winslow of Marblehead, Massachusetts; and daughter Christina Van Kalken of Newfields, New Hampshire. Louise’s loving grandchildren include Dan Van Kalken and wife, Juliane Chafee; Justin Van Kalken and wife, Melissa; Peter Winslow and wife Chelsey; Joe Winslow; and Jake Winslow. Louise’s devoted great-grandchildren are Rose and Duke Van Kalken. In addition, Louise leaves behind many nieces and nephews, all of whom occupied a very special place in her heart.

Louise was first-generation American and raised by Dutch immigrants on a farm in Bedford New Hampshire. She attended Central High School in Manchester, and upon graduation became an accomplished, award-winning classical pianist and organist. She married the love of her life, Adrian, who also immigrated to the United States from the Netherlands following WWII. Louise lived in the same home where she and Adrian raised their family and served the community for 67 years.

Louise established a large and devoted keyboard studio, teaching private piano and organ lessons to students of all ages and levels, both in her own home, and for many years as a staff member at Al Ouellette’s Hammond Organ Dealership. She served as organist at First United Methodist Church and First Church of Christ, Scientist, both in Manchester.

Louise supported her husband in many community activities including an active membership in the Hammond Organ Society where she was often featured as a guest performer. A passionate musician, Louise raised a musical family and was so proud to perform with her three children on numerous occasions. These popular “Van Kalken Family Concerts” – often serving as benefit events for various community causes – were created and produced by Louise, from the programs to the musical arrangements, and everything in between; Louise and her three children formed a unique family ensemble performing on multiple keyboards to large and enthusiastic audiences. Van Kalken Family Concerts were sponsored by the Kiwanis Club and the Queen City Rotary Club – two organizations sharing a similar mission of service to those in need in the community, a commitment also dear to Lousie and Adrian.

Louise’s deep reverence for music throughout her life inspired her to motivate her family and friends to embrace it as a core value. She encouraged students of all ages and all walks of life to follow their dreams and develop their musical abilities. She loved all types of music but was especially moved by music of the Renaissance and Baroque periods. In fact, just days before she passed, Lousie continued to play favorite hymns on the family grand piano in the living room.

Louise will be remembered by her family and friends as an inspiring, kind, intelligent, thoughtful, strong-willed, and fun-loving person who remained curious about life until her final moments. After the passing of her beloved husband Adrian, Louise continued to live independently in the family home. She remained a gracious host opening her doors to countless neighbors and friends, and as active as her physicality would allow, but always with a sharp and inquiring mind. She died as peacefully as she had lived, surrounded by family and friends who adored her.

SERVICES: Calling hours will be Thursday, July 30, 2026, from 4pm to 7pm at Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, 1799 Elm Street, Manchester, New Hampshire. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, July 31, 2026, at 10am at St. Catherine of Siena Parish, 207 Hemlock Street, Manchester, followed by a committal service at Pine Grove Cemetery in Manchester.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at: lambertfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Louise’s memory to the Boston Early Music Festival, https://bemf.org/support (checks, payable to Boston Early Music Festival, can be mailed to: BEMF, 43 Thorndike Street, Suite 302, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02141) or to the Meteora Suite, Fitch Unit, at the Elliot Hospital, Manchester, New Hampshire (checks, payable to the Mary & John Elliot Charitable Foundation, can be mailed to Mary & John Elliot Charitable Foundation, Pine Tree Place, 360 Route 101, Unit 8, Bedford, NH 03110; please add a memo line of “In Memory of Louise van Kalken”).