Gernelda "Nelda" Ruth Blickenstaff

She bowled her last game this May, drove her car for the last time in July, and celebrated her 99th birthday on August 12, 2025, surrounded by family. When she was asked if she’d like to know more about the surprises and celebrations planned for the week of her birthday, she shook her head and said, “Surprise me!” And, we did. Gernelda (Sprenkel) Blickenstaff lived life to the fullest, loved her family, demonstrated her faith, and stood tall in her community.

Nelda, as she was known, was fiercely proud of Quinter, Kansas. It was in this little town where she was born to Emmert and June Sprenkel, the youngest of three. Her brother Marvin and sister Esther welcomed her into their home. Quinter is where she attended elementary and high school; it’s also where she met and grew up with her future husband, Dale Blickenstaff, the son of a local farmer. Nelda was involved in everything Quinter - church activities, school activities, and any sports that allowed her to compete.

After graduating from high school, she attended McPherson College, a small Church of the Brethren-affiliate. In 1947 after Dale returned from his military service, the two married. Nelda quit school at that time and became a dental hygienist so that Dale could pursue his schooling. Eventually they moved back to Quinter, living in town for several years before moving to the family farm.

Nelda was again involved in everything Quinter— the Brethren Church, various clubs, and Harvey’s, a dry-goods store that she and Dale owned. But most importantly, she was involved with her extended family. Nelda had many nieces and nephews who loved spending time with her, but over the years, Marvin’s daughter Kathy developed a relationship with her that became much more than that of a niece. In 1962, when she was 35, and much to everyone’s delight, she became a mother to Scott. Her pregnancy and delivery were unremarkable, so much so that she’s remembered for saying, “If I’d known it was going to be this easy, I could have had a dozen!” Motherhood most definitely agreed with her, bringing to the forefront all of her playful ways.

A few years later, she and Dale moved their family to Hays, Kansas, so he could complete his Master’s degree, and then to Greeley, Colorado, for the completion of his Doctorate. Upon Dale’s graduation, they settled in Boise, Idaho, where they put down very deep roots. Nelda became active in the local Brethren Church, in faculty wife activities at Boise State University (where Dale was a professor and dean), in the Crane Creek Country Club, and at Highlands Elementary School where she was the librarian. She cemented great friendships through her church activities, and by playing golf, tennis, and bridge. She also wore more than one pair of sneakers out from the long walks she took with friends.

Nelda had a sharp wit and a big laugh, and both came easily to her. People felt comfortable and loved being in her presence, but they were also keenly aware when she disagreed with them. Her tone of voice changed, and her opinion quickly became apparent. Then just as quickly, differences were put aside and life continued without hard feelings.

Nelda and Dale were well-traveled, both in the States and abroad. They lived in Warsaw, Poland, from 1991-1993, while Dale worked to help Poland’s new independent government establish its banking system. Nelda loved travelling and immersing herself in other cultures, but she was always glad to return home.

Nelda was fiercely proud of their son Scott and his every accomplishment. She was delighted when he met and married his wife, Wendy. However, all of that paled when she became a grandmother to Zoe and Kate. As grandmothers go, Nelda was second-to-none. Her granddaughters could do no wrong, and she was the instigator of much of their fun. They built forts, rolled down hills, and the very young Kate and Zoe even drove the golf cart on numerous occasions. One time, they hit a telephone pole, tipping the cart over and causing Nelda to fall out! But in typical fashion, she just laughed, said she was okay, and instructed Kate to keep driving. She continued her playful ways well into her 90’s when she was found with one of her great-grandnieces under her dining room table, having tea in a homemade fort!

She and Dale had been married 66 years when he passed away in 2014. She continued to live independently in the family home, an achievement that seemed only natural to her. Her 90’s were full of bowling, driving other folks to and from church, and often winning weekly bridge games at Crane Creek. Anyone would have been hard-pressed to outwit the 99-year-old Nelda; she was amazing!

Nelda remained proud of her family until her dying day on November 21, 2025. This genuine lady from America’s greatest generation had lived life to its fullest! She is survived by her son Scott, her daughter-in-law Wendy, and her granddaughters Zoe and Kate. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, great-grand nieces and nephews, and many friends who both loved her and now miss her terribly. We find comfort in knowing she is surrounded by loved ones who have gone before. God blessed those of us who got to know Nelda Blickenstaff.

A memorial service will be held, 10:00 am, Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at Boise Valley Church of the Brethren, 4721 Star Rd., Meridian. A committal service will be held at 1:00 pm, Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at Idaho State Veterans Cemetery, 10100 Horseshoe Bend Rd., Boise, Idaho.

Services are under the direction of Bowman Funeral Parlor, Garden City.