John VanUden

John VanUden, 95, formerly of 70 Dickey Street, died February 22, 2004 peacefully with his family by his side at BelAir nursing home, Goffstown after a period of failing health. He was born in Culemborg, the Netherlands on December 22, 1908, the son of Anton and Cornelia Johanna (de Bues) VanUden. His parents and their nine children immigrated to the United States in 1927. John worked for many years as a dresser at Arms Textile Mills. He was a star pitcher for the mills’ softball tam. He had also been employed at the Rockingham Race Track Jockey Club in Salem until his retirement. He was a parishioner of St. Raphael Church. He was the widower of Minnie Mary (Reilly) VanUden, his wife of 63 years who died in 1996. He was a kind and gently man. He loved his family, his home, nature people, playing cards and working in his garden. He always had a twinkle in his eye. Family members include a son, John VanUden of Bedford; a daughter, Nancy VanUden of Bedford; three grandchildren and two great grandchildren; a brother, Anton VanUden of Manchester; and several nephews, nieces and cousins. Calling hours will be at the Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 250 Coolidge Avenue on Wednesday from 4 to 7 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday morning at 10:00 in St. Raphael Church. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Meals on Wheels Program, 395 D.W. Highway, PO Box 910, Merrimack, NH 03054. For more information, go to www.phaneuf.net