Marvin R. Blickenstaff, 90, passed away peacefully on the morning of January 23, 2026, with his beloved friend Amy Haman by his side, walking him into the arms of Jesus.  He was the devoted husband of Sara Faye Hendricks Blickenstaff, with whom he shared 35 years of marriage, until her passing in 2012.

Marvin was the youngest of three brothers, born May 19, 1935, in Nampa, Idaho, to the late Ray and Margaret Blickenstaff.  His mother would say that she delivered all three boys on a Sunday so that Marvin's dad, a dentist, didn't have to miss any work.  When he was five years old, the family moved to an 11-acre piece of land on the edge of Nampa, where a house was built for $5,000.  They had a horse, cow, and many chickens plus a large garden.  There were many chores to do, and no one got to sleep in on weekends.  The house is still there today but the 11 acres have been turned into a city park.

It was soon evident that Marvin had a lot of musical talent and his piano teacher wanted to take him on a mini tour at the age of 9. Marvin was truly a child prodigy in the piano.  He also played the oboe and clarinet.

Marvin received much of his pre-college piano education in Nampa, Idaho, under the study of Fern Nolte Davidson. Upon beginning lessons with Davidson, he knew his life's calling as a pianist, one which he was devoted to until his last days. Marvin's piano performance degrees were earned from Oberlin College (1959) and Indiana University (1961), where he studied piano with Emil Danenberg and Béla Böszörményi-Nagy. Before enrolling in Oberlin, he traveled to Austria in service for the Church of the Brethren, learning to speak German fluently in his time abroad, returning later to Germany for additional piano studies at the Frankfurt Hochschule für Musik. Following his early professional posts at McPherson College and Fort Hays Kansas State University, he lived in New York City (1965–69), working with Carl Fisher, teaching at the Stecher and Horowitz School of Music, receiving lessons with Wolfgang Rosé, and performing a debut recital at Town Hall. In his subsequent positions, he served for many years: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (1969–78), Goshen College in Indiana (1978–99), and The New School for Music Study in New Jersey (1999–2025). His final performance was a solo concert, a 90th Birthday Celebration Recital, at Carnegie Hall in May 2025.

His contributions to the piano teaching profession are numerous, beginning with the countless students he taught through his professional positions and in his independent teaching studio for more than sixty years. He traveled throughout the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, and Australasia performing and sharing his expertise at conferences and workshops to audiences of piano educators. His major publications include Inspired Piano Teaching (2024) and numerous co-authored works: three editions of Handbook for Teachers for the Celebration Series (1996, 2001, 2008) and a multi-volume beginner piano method Music Pathways (1972–83). Marvin held leadership positions in and worked with notable organizations including The Frances Clark Center for Keyboard Pedagogy, Music Teachers National Association, and the Royal Conservatory of Music (Canada). His major awards include: Fellow of the Royal Conservatory of Music (2007), Lifetime Achievement Award from MTNA (2009), Lifetime Achievement Award (2013) and Outstanding Service and Leadership Award (2025) from the Frances Clark Center.

He became a cherished friend and a special presence in the lives of those who cared for him.  Many moments were shared together — doctor's appointments, birthday celebrations, a Super Bowl party, church services, and countless everyday conversations. He brought laughter to nearly every visit with his quick wit, gentle humor, and unforgettable laugh. Conversations covered life, fears, anxieties, and joys. Quiet times spent looking through photo albums and listening to his stories became treasured memories.

Marvin was always welcoming and joyful, consistently asking about the families and lives of others. A fitting word to describe him is benevolent — kind, gentle, generous, and sincerely concerned for others. He was warm-hearted, thoughtful, and wise. Though often private about it, he regularly prayed for others and was deeply moved to help those in need. He frequently credited his parents for the values they instilled in him and demonstrated those values daily through his care and kindness — whether in an email, a phone call, or a face-to-face conversation.

He showed love and respect to everyone he encountered and modeled a life of selfless service to others.

He will be remembered for his random computer-help calls, requests for Halloween candy, and practical needs like extra trash bags, as well as for his thoughtful emails and everyday exchanges. The last six weeks of his life were difficult, and it was evident that his heart longed to return home — to his farmhouse and studio. As his wishes were honored, he gradually and peacefully awaited his heavenly home, expressing deep appreciation and gratitude to all who cared for him.

Marvin is deeply missed, and there is comfort in knowing he is home.

He is survived by his brother, Loren Blickenstaff; brother-in-law, Leonard Stener; sister-in-law, Marjorie Hendricks; nieces, Linda Dimick (Michael), Joni Ball, Leslie Nelson (Dwight), Susan Hendricks (Barry), Rebecca Stoner, and Deborah Hendricks Gainer (David); nephews, Rick Blickenstaff (Amy), Kyle Blickenstaff (Kellie), Ryan Blickenstaff (Beth), Dale Hendricks (Carol), Steve Hendricks, Douglas Hendricks, Robert Hendricks, Andrew Hendricks, David Hendricks, and Daniel Stoner; stepsons, David Kidwell and Philip Kidwell; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Wayne Blickenstaff, and sister-in-law, Kathy Blickenstaff.

A memorial service will be held at 1 PM on Saturday, February 21, at Blooming Glen Mennonite Church, 713 Blooming Glen Road, Blooming Glen, PA 18911.  For those unable to attend the service will be livestream at www.bgmc.net .  Light refreshments will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Marvin's name to The Frances Clark Center, P.O. Box 651, Kingston, NJ 08528.