Nelda Holzapfel

Nelda Holzapfel

Nelda Ann Holzapfel passed away on Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at the age of 87. Nelda was born in Jasper County, Iowa and lived in Baxter, Iowa where she graduated high school. She later moved to St. Louis, MO and in 1959 to Springfield, MO. Nelda was a member of St. Johns United Church of Christ and was involved in the St. Johns quilting circle. Nelda loved to cook and garden as well as bird watch and star gaze. Nelda was also given many affectionate nicknames by her grandchildren including grammimmie, HoNanny, and Nonnie. She was a wonderful grandmother and great grandmother.

Nelda is preceded in death by her husband Karl Henry Holzapfel, parents, Elmer M. Fuller and Nellie F. Hainke Fuller, 10 siblings, Fletcher, Wayne, Dessie, Mareeda, Meta, Dottie, Robert, George, Millicent, and Roger.

Nelda is survived by siblings, Beryl and Joan; children Linda Purse and husband Mike of Springfield, MO; Cheryl DeRigne Holzapfel of Nixa, MO; Mary Prater and companion Chuck Fleming of Springfield, MO; grandchildren Michael Karl Purse and companion Linda Raney, Scott Purse and Amanda, Lea Anne DeRigne and Husband Rob Liebschutz, and Lauran Elle DeRigne; great-grandchildren Jackson Ryan Purse, Ruby DeRigne-Liebschutz, Hobbes DeRigne-Liebschutz, Sawyer DeRigne-Roesch, brother-in-law Robert Holzapfel, Santa Fe, NM, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Special blessings to all her neighbors, especially Jim and Diane Enyart, her church family, Integrity and St. John's Hospice who all made it possible for her to live at home, and to Jordan Creek for care and her final two weeks.

Funeral services will take place at the National Cemetery on Tuesday, August 2, at 2 pm with the Reverend Sol Codillo of St. Johns United Church of Christ presiding. Services will be under the direction of Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel. There will be a celebration of the lives of Karl and Nelda at the daughter, Cheryl's, home following the service. Please contact the funeral home for directions at 886-9994. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Johns United Church of Christ and the Humane Society.