John L. Runyan, D.O. and Patricia (Kessler) Runyan

John L. Runyan, D.O., age 72, and Patricia (Kessler) Runyan, age 71, died unexpectedly of natural causes at their home in Bloomsburg. They are survived by daughter Liz Parrish and her husband Matt, of Montoursville, and son Steve Runyan, his wife Joanna of Pittsford, Vermont. They have one grandchild, Magdalena Runyan, also of Vermont.

 John Luther Runyan, D.O. was a devoted husband and father. He lived and worked nearly all of his life in Bloomsburg. He was born to Max Eugene Runyan and Eloise Olive (Whitenight) Runyan. He went to Bloomsburg High School, graduating in 1969. He attended Juniata College where he studied biology and history, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in 1973. He then attended the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, graduating in 1977 as a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. He continued his training at Harrisburg Hospital, and completed specialty training in Family Medicine at Geisinger Medical Center. He opened a private office in Bloomsburg shortly after finishing training, and served our community continuously until his retirement in 2006. He was known as a kind, compassionate, and capable physician who embodied the best of the profession. Even after retirement, he remained engaged with the field, although not in a clinical capacity. He was an avid student of history and a committed fan of Philadelphia sports. He is also survived by his brother Joseph Runyan of Appleton, Wisconsin.

Patricia (Kessler) Runyan was a caring wife and mother. She lived and worked her entire life in and around Bloomsburg. She was born to Carl Kessler, Sr. and Dorothy Marie (Lyons) Kessler, of Millville. She graduated from Bloomsburg High School, and then attended Bloomsburg University where she received her baccalaureate in primary education and art.

After teaching in rural settings, she attended Geisinger Nursing School and became a registered nurse. She worked primarily at Geisinger’s psychiatric unit early in her career. She met her future husband while she was working as a nurse and he was working as a physician at Geisinger. They were married in 1982. Later in life, she worked as a nurse supervisor in nursing homes for many years. She was passionate about animals and cared for a small herd of horses at the family residence for almost three decades. She was a frequent volunteer with Eos Therapeutic Riding of Buckhorn. She was known for her eclectic taste in music ranging from Canadian folk to German industrial metal. She is also survived by two brothers, Galen M. Kessler and his wife Deborah, of Metamora, Illinois and by Carl T. Kessler and his wife Susan, of Winfield.

Funeral services will be held on Monday July 1, 2024 at 11 a.m. in the Dean W. Kriner Inc. Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 325 Market St., Bloomsburg, with Rev. Dr. Joel L. Zeiders, pastor of St. Matthew Lutheran Church, officiating. Interment will follow in New Rosemont Cemtery, Espy.  Visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m.

 In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association or to the Columbia County Humane Society.