Calvin Flickinger, 98, of North Newton, Kan., died Feb. 18, 2025. He was born Jan. 7, 1927, and raised on a farm in Pretty Prairie, Kan. His parents, Amos Flickinger and Ida Graber, were children of Mennonite immigrants from Russia. Their deep faith sustained them, and they instilled in him their values of kindness, justice, service and hard work. His passion for a challenge kept him engaged in lifelong growth. He earned degrees at Grace Bible Institute in Omaha, Neb., Bethel College in North Newton, Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Chicago and Arizona State University.
While a student at Bethel, he met Sidonnia (Sid) Nickel at the hospital where she was a student nurse. They married in 1953 and served as missionaries in Colombia and northern Arizona through the Mennonite Church. They had four children during that time and sensibly waited to have a fifth until they left mission work and moved to Phoenix in 1963, where Cal taught at El Mirage Elementary School until retirement in 1986.
With their move to Phoenix, they became members of First Mennonite Church and invested deeply in that community. Calvin served on committees, taught classes, directed music and led worship. They were a part of First Mennonite until a division over LGBTQ+ membership caused them to leave in 1992.
They moved to the Glencroft retirement community in Glendale, Ariz., in 1985. Cal volunteered and worked as a part-time resident manager. He golfed, organized bowling tournaments and participated in Senior Olympics. During many summer months and most holidays, they traveled to visit family and explore new places. He was passionate about music, leading singing and participating in choirs.
He is survived by his children, Ronald (Colleen Kliewer), Daniel, John (Douglas Basinger), Susan (Doris Bartel) and Lois; a grandson, Martin; and a brother, Chester.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Sid; a daughter-in-law, Colleen; and a granddaughter, Teresa.
