Ronald Isaac Blickenstaff

1938 - 2024

Nampa - Ronald Isaac Blickenstaff, 86, of Nampa passed away peacefully on November 15, 2024 at Wellspring Health and Rehabilitation of Cascadia with his son Doug, daughter-in-law Merilie, and special friend Gail Prow by his side.

Ron was born on July 22, 1938, in Nampa, Idaho to his parents Isaac David and Alyce Anna (Fluetsch) Blickenstaff.

Ron attended the Bennett school through the 8th grade which sat on his parent's farm on the corner of Bennett and Lynwood Rd. He went to Nampa High School and was in the first graduating class on the new Nampa Senior High School campus where he was active in FFA and showing livestock.

Ron married his first wife Nancy Ellen Koehne on October 10, 1957, divorcing after 14 years. A few years later he married Marlys Hobza and their marriage lasted 13 years. In 1986, he married Kathy Shewmaker and they were married until the time of her death.

Ron owned and farmed many acres for 51 years before semi-retiring. He loved to build things such as farm equipment, barns and even houses. He continued to farm some ground into his 80's to stay busy and involved.

Ron was a member of the Nampa Elks #1389 for 54 years and enjoyed the Friday evening dinners at the Lodge. He was a board member for the Boise Kuna Irrigation District for 30 years serving as Chairman from January 2006 to January 2008. He was a member and very much involved with the Treasure Valley Antique Tractor Pulling Association helping organize the Melba Old Time 4th of July Celebration tractor pull where he loved entering many tractors for quite a few years of several different makes and models that he had restored.

There are so many things to remember about this wonderful man that will be forever held in the hearts of his family and friends including his wonderful huge contagious smile and big heart. He loved meeting people wherever he went and seeing what they just might have in common Oh how he loved his ice cream, especially with raspberry cobbler. A granddaughter once saw him eat that combination 3 times in one day. He had an ice cream pet peeve and that was when his grandkids would stir their ice cream then eat it. If they stirred it, he would have to turn his chair around, so he didn't see them stirring and eating it.

Ron loved working the ground, planting the crops and watching them grow and seeing how well they yielded at harvest time. He was especially proud of his son Doug who followed in his footsteps and became a successful farmer like he and his father before him.

The family would like to thank Streamside Assisted Living staff and nurses where he lived for a year and a half. Also, the staff and kind nurses at Wellspring Health and Rehabilitation of Cascadia for their great care and compassion the last 6 months.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Isaac and Alyce Blickenstaff, sister Kaye Paulson, 2 brothers-in-law, and his 3 previous wives.

Ron is survived by his son Doug (Merilie) Blickenstaff of Nampa, daughter Susan (David) Scheuerer of Nampa, daughter Dianne McLain of Boise, his sister Joyce Holmgren of Palo Alto, California, 10 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, 6 step children, 10 step grandchildren and his devoted, loving companion and dear friend, Gail Prow.

A memorial service will be held at 11 AM Monday, December 2, 2024 at the Nampa Funeral Home Yraguen Chapel. A celebration of his life will follow with a reception at the Nampa Elks Lodge. Burial will be in the Melba Cemetery. An online guest book and full obit is available at www.nampafuneralhome.com