Linda Frances Schwichtenberg, 80, passed away at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Minneapolis, Minnesota, on March 14, 2025. Linda was born on February 14, 1945, in Abington, Pennsylvania to her parents, Arthur and Marian (Marx).
After two years as a toddler living in Oregon, Linda grew up in Lester Prairie, Minnesota and graduated from Lester Prairie High School.
After a year at the University of Minnesota, she entered Swedish Hospital School of Nursing and graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1967. Linda worked in various hospitals in Minnesota and California, specializing in cardiac education and care.
Following in her parents’ footsteps, Linda joined the US Navy as a nurse in 1969. She served a total of 22 years, both active and reserve, and retired as a Commander. Serving in both Naval Medical Centers and Marine Corps field exercises was a favorite challenge for her.
Linda had a passion for animal welfare. In addition to her own dogs, cats and horse, she was instrumental in the origin and management of Crossroads Animal Shelter in Buffalo, Minnesota. Training and showing her dogs in competitive obedience was a major accomplishment.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur Schwichtenberg and Marian Schwichtenberg, sister, Ann Marie Brickzen, and brother, Joel Schwichtenberg.
She is survived by a brother, Tom, and sister-in-law, Jean; nieces, Kristin Schwichtenberg, Faith (Austin) Brott (great-niece, Hope Brott), and Carmen Brickzen, as well as numerous cousins and friends.
No service will be held. Memorials preferred to Heart of MN Animal Shelter, PO Box 175, 880 Century Ave. SW, Hutchinson, MN 55350. Cremated remains will be scattered by her family near Linda’s home on Clearwater Lake, Annandale, Minnesota, at a later date.