Obituaries

Linda J. Kreischer (Patterson), 78, of Catawissa passed away peacefully on September 14, 2026, at Geisinger Medical Center after a long illness.

She was born on October 4, 1947, in Danville to the late Ralph C. "Ben” and Marguerite Patterson (Hawkins). Her early years were spent on the family farm in Washingtonville before moving to Lower Mulberry Street in Danville. She graduated from Danville High School in 1965 and continued studies at Mansfield University. Her career in the medical field began in cytotechnology. After the birth of her first child, she became an optician and eventually was certified as an ophthalmology technician.

Linda was deeply cherished for her creative spirit and nurturing heart. She had a remarkable gift for sewing, knitting quilting, and baking, pouring her love into each stitch and recipe. Her garden flourished under her care. Linda also enjoyed friendly games of cards, creating lasting memories around the table with family and friends.

Perhaps one of her most profound legacies will be the many handmade treasures she lovingly knitted over the decades—hundreds of Christmas stockings, baby blankets, prayer shawls, and chemo hats, each one a symbol of hope and comfort. Her hands not only created beautiful things but also offered warmth and solace to those in need.

She is survived by her husband Dale, and they marked 55 years of marriage in June. Also surviving are son Darrick Kreischer, daughter Abigail (Jason) Baer, grandsons Calvin and Elijah Baer, sister Gail (Donald) Cole, sisters-in-law Brenda (the late Donald) Traugh and Barbara (Robert) John, and brother-in-law Dennis (Jane) Kreischer, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Linda’s Life to be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Lightstreet United Methodist Church, 1640 Main Street, Bloomsburg. Friends will be received from 10:00-10:45am. Those attending are invited to bring a knitted item Linda made as we celebrate her life. Burial will be private at Straub's Lutheran Cemetery, Danville.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Animal Resource Center, PO Box 439, Bloomsburg, PA, 17815, or Lightstreet United Methodist Church, 1640 Main Street, Bloomsburg, PA 17815.

Arrangements are under the direction of Visneski Funeral Home, Inc 42 West Mahoning Street Danville PA 17821.