Zelda May Nickel

Zelda Nickel, 88, of Caldwell, passed away peacefully at home in Caldwell on October 14, 2024. 

Zelda May Keifer was born October 20, 1935, to Otto and Marie (Howard) Keifer in Payette, Idaho. She was raised in Homedale and graduated from Homedale High School, Class of 1954. This is where she met her future husband, Charles A. Nickel. Charlie and Zelda were married in 1954, made their home in Caldwell, raised their three children, and became prominent farmers in the Treasure Valley.

Zelda began working for the Canyon County Treasurer’s Office in the early 1970s. She became the Canyon County Treasurer in 1983, where she served until 1996, when she was elected Canyon County Commissioner. She served in this capacity until her retirement on February 29, 2000.

In conjunction with The Idaho Association of Counties, Zelda was instrumental in establishing a scholarship fund, named the Charles Nickel Scholarship Fund, in memory of her late husband who passed away in 1996. This scholarship fund assists children of county employees and children and grandchildren of county elected officials with the increasing cost of college tuition.

Zelda and Charlie loved to entertain and could often be found at the family cabin in Donnely with friends and family, enjoying snowmobiling in the winter and outdoor barbecues in the summer. They were long-time members of the Caldwell Elks Lodge #1448. After retiring, Zelda spent her winter months enjoying her home in Yuma, Arizona.

Zelda is survived by her daughter, Shirlee and son-in-law, Mark Chapman; her son, Jim Nickel; her son-in-law, Jay Whitfill; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is preceded in death by her husband, Charles; parents, Otto and Marie; brother, Delbert and sister-in-law, Jo; sisters, Dorothy and Edna; and most recently, her daughter, Sharon.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Flahiff Funeral Chapel. Family and friends are invited to graveside services at Canyon Hill Cemetery in Caldwell on Friday, October 25, 2024, at 3:00 pm. 

In lieu of flowers, Zelda’s family requests donations be made to the Charles Nickel Scholarship Fund c/o The Association of Counties, 3100 S. Vista Avenue, Ste. 200, Boise, Idaho 83705.