Mrs. Linda L. (Knowles) Kratzenberg

UTICA - Mrs. Linda L. (Knowles) Kratzenberg, age 72, passed away on Monday, October 23, 2017 in the comfort of her home, with those she loved in her heart. Born in Utica on August 15, 1945, Linda was the daughter of the late Alfred and Marion (Denslow) Knowles. She was blessed with a loving relationship with Robert J. Kratzenberg, Jr. that began in 1972. They were the love of each other’s life and on October 18, 1985 they wed. They were all about family and did what they had to do to provide for them. Their children will always remember the incredible sacrifices their parents made to keep their family in a good place. Sadly, their remarkable marriage was cut short when Robert passed away on September 5, 1989. Linda worked as a Home Health Aide at Caregivers of Utica for over 20 years, the mainstay of support for her family. She was a caregiver at heart and also held various jobs with many area companies. Mixed in with her working hours was the time devoted to being a mom, best friend, Nana, and a woman who did amazing things day after day. Her warm and loving personality and selflessness was so obvious. Linda had a spiritual intuition and could put you at ease while talking about your troubles and thoughts, and you would always walk away feeling lighter because Linda shared your sorrows and lifted your burdens. She had an open house policy and family and friends were welcome to her table. She honored all special family occasions and everyone was invited to join in. She made the best of everything in life happen for them. At one time, Linda was an Avon sales representative. She was the “shopping queen” and was frugal in purchasing. She knitted blankets for gifts and was bestowed with the gift of baking, especially her “friendship bread”. In her earlier years, she loved gardening and canning her homegrown fruits and vegetables. She was a music aficionado of any artist or genre, and she would often “get down and get busy” dancing! During the summer, her favorite destinations were Delta Lake, Green Lake, Gilbert Lake, and Hinckley Lake. She was a ‘mother fish’ and she felt free in the water. She was the first one in and the last one out. Her favorite festivity was attending the St. Joseph and St. Patrick German picnic where she loved to dance, enjoy the food, and see her children and grandchildren enjoy a fun time. She could also be seen at the casino playing Bingo and overlooking the high-stakes card games. The day often ended with a friendly card game at home. Linda shared precious moments in the lives of her children and grandchildren, until her very passing. She was a strong woman, cheerful of heart and mindful of moral values. She was a treasure-trove of wisdom, and she was the best mom she could be. She will never be forgotten and her family will forever be healing from her passing. She had a difficult life, but remained positive. She was a living angel and she will continue to watch over her children through God’s grace. Linda is survived by her children and their loves, Wayne Miller Sr., Belinda Kratzenberg and fiancé Dennis Daley, Christina Combellack and fiancé Bruce Kelly, Valerie Kratzenberg and her fiancé Maurice “Jeff” Minott, and Lee Quick. She was preceded by her son James “Jimmy” Quick and infant daughter, Yvonne Quick. Also left to remember her are her grandchildren, Stacey and Mike McGill, Marissa Williams, Ariaha Williams, Jessica Miller and fiancé Josh Roe, Wayne Miller, Jr., Randy Miller and fiancée Victoria Perry; Justice Torres and fiancé Zachary Durdoyle, Angel Torres Jr., twins Jasmine Butler and Justin Butler, Jr., Elly’Anna Minott, London Minott, Amy Quick, and Alyssa Quick; and her 26 great-grandchildren, and the anticipation of two additional baby girls to grace the family. She also leaves her former son-in-law, Bryon Combellack. Linda was a mother to many children who came into her life, and she truly loved them. She also leaves her sisters and brother-in-law, Alice and Ronny Walters, Anna Mae Knowles, and Marie Thompson; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Alfred and Donna Knowles, Cecil Knowles, and Paul and Kay Knowles; and her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces, great-great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Nina Kratzenberg, Rose and Richard Kurkowski, Donald and Lois Kratzenberg, Jeffrey Kratzenberg, and Kathy Hubbard. She will be missed by Nessa McDonald and daughter Isabella who have been dear friends for many years and a source of support. Also much loved by the family is Miss Pearl from Linda’s church who was so gracious and kind; Myra Cotrich who always turned their frowns upside down; and Sammy who had a great and generous spirit. She was predeceased by her sisters, Barbara Swifts, and Thelma Knowles; her in-laws, Joan M. Birmingham, Robert Hubbard, Terry L. Kratzenberg, Richard Kratzenberg; and her best friend, Jeannie. The family is grateful to Dr. William Gaetano and Dr. Mary Phillips, primary physicians who guided Linda on the best course to benefit her health. She was also blessed to have her children by her side to care for her, … but some may say she took care of them. Visitation will be held Saturday afternoon from 2:00-4:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Linda's funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday at 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home immediately upon conclusion of visitation with Pastor Bradley Huson of City Hope Fellowship Foursquare Gospel Church officiating.

Mrs. Linda L. (Knowles) Kratzenberg

August 15, 1945 - October 23, 2017