Louise Van Horn

Louise H. Van Horn, loving mother, sister, and aunt

Olean- Louise H. Van Horn passed away on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, after a short illness, surrounded by her loving family.

Born April 26, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Walter and Helen Kukulka.

Louise attended high school in Olean and began working at a young age in order to financially support the family while her father was facing an illness. Later, working as an office administrator at AVX Ceramics in Olean. She loved her work and retired in her 80s after 50 years of service. In her younger years, she loved bowling and was an active member of several bowling leagues. She cherished time with her family, especially attending church picnics and polka dances. She also enjoyed trips to the casino, playing bingo, and attending horse races. One of her greatest joys was traveling to California to visit family, where she loved sitting by the Pacific Ocean and taking side trips to Las Vegas. In her later years, she spent time doing word searches and playing some games on her iPad. In addition, her outings included trips to the casino and lunch at the Beef and Barrel, where she could enjoy one of their “fancy” drinks. 

Louise is survived by her daughter, Christine Van Horn, and a sister, Jenny Strucker, as well as several nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and a grandnephew.

She was predeceased by her parents, Walter and Helen, and two brothers, Walter Kukulka and his wife Eileen, and Wilfred Kukulka. 

Family will receive friends on Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 1303 E. State St., Olean. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, September 26, 2025, at 10:00 am at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels in Olean. Burial to follow at St. Bonaventure Cemetery.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, http://www.stjude.org/

Online condolences may be expressed at www.guentherfh.com