Blanka Stacey

Blanka Elenora Leitenmaier Stacey, angel, daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and nurse passed away peacefully on September 27, 2012. She was born in Hessen, Germany, on March 4, 1938, the eldest child of Lorenz Leitenmaier and Tilla Geller Leitenmaier. In 1958, at a dance, she met Dee Edwin Stacey – a tall, dark, and handsome American Soldier. This night would begin their life-long love. They were married October 25, 1959, in Milo, Idaho. Their union was blessed with two daughters, Doris and Judy. They enjoyed over 53 years in a close, loving marriage. Blanka enjoyed a rewarding career in nursing, working in the nursery with the newborn babies. Many people throughout the community recognized her as the wonderful little German nurse who had so tenderly cared for their babies. She was also known for her compassionate service to others in their time of need. Blanka worked at many hospitals, but her favorite nursing position was at the end of her career at Bingham Memorial Hospital. The following passage written by Blanka illustrates her great passion for nursing and the joy she had working at Bingham Memorial. “Here at Bingham Memorial, the patient is never a number that gets lost in the shuffle having to cry for a bedpan! Our little babies are not left unattended or left crying! We have enough time to care and give TLC and most of all we are allowed and encouraged to care. The best care is the only acceptable standard here. The patient nursing is what hospitals are all about and next to high technology, superior education, and highly skilled teams, the word 'care' in health-care is still one of the most important ingredients. Anytime a nurse is too busy to hold a hand, give a hug, dry a tear, or bring a smile to a worried, weary face, her mission is a failed one.” She loved all she met with an unconditional, perfect love. Her vibrant, happy personality brought joy to all she knew. Blanka's greatest joy was her family and building happy memories with them. She adored her six grandchildren and three great grandsons. Many hours were spent traveling to Middleton, Idaho, and Roy, Utah, to enjoy special family times. She is survived by her husband, Dee, and two daughters, Doris (Wane) Bull and Judy (Bret) Wilkinson; and grandchildren Jason (Kristen) Bull, Stacey (Tim) Chadwick, Danny (Kaylee) Wilkinson, Michelle (Mychal) Lowman, Andrew Bull and Kristen Bull; three great grandsons; and brothers, Peter Leitenmaier and Gerhart Leitenmaier. She was preceded in death by her parents. Funeral Services will begin at 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 5, 2012, at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road. The family will visit with friends from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday evening and for one hour prior to the services on Friday, both visitations at Wood East Side. Burial will be in the Taylor Cemetery.

Funeral Services -- Friday

11:00 a.m. ,Friday, October 5, 2012 Wood Funeral Home East Side 963 South Ammon Road Idaho Falls, ID, Bonneville 83406 Notes: The family will visit with friends from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday evening and for one hour prior to the services, both visitations at Wood East Side. Burial will be in the Taylor Cemetery.