Phillip James Nelson

Phillip James Nelson of Waverly, Iowa, was born on August 15, 1942, in Owatonna, Minnesota, to Jim and Violet Nelson. He passed away peacefully at home on March 13, 2026, at the age of 83.

Phil grew up as an only child in Blue Earth, Minnesota, graduating from high school in 1960. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in 1964 and a master’s degree from the University of Nebraska in 1965. He began his teaching career at a middle school in Blair, Nebraska, before moving to Lincoln High School in Council Bluffs, Iowa. In 1969, he was recruited to the University of Northern Iowa, where he taught secondary social studies education at the UNI Education Center and Malcolm Price Laboratory School for thirty-one years until his retirement in 2000.

While at UNI, Phil contributed to the evaluation of Iowa high schools, participating in more than forty NCAA accreditation reviews and often serving as team chair. He was known for his thorough observations and thoughtful recommendations. Outside of his professional life, he found joy in hunting, fishing, and spending time at the family cabin in northern Minnesota. He also developed a deep passion for antique furniture, buying, restoring, selling, and collecting pieces for many years. A longtime member of the Lions Club, he served faithfully as its treasurer.

Phil is survived by his wife of 62 years, Eloise; his son, Sean (Jenny) Nelson, and grandson Brandon; his daughters, Jodi Schleyer (Tom) and Kari Staack (Jerrod); grandchildren Kaleb (Holli) Staack, Abbi Phyfe (Austin), Jentry Staack (fiancé Kaylie Wilhelm and son Kacen), and Jake Staack (partner Payton Schutte); and great-granddaughters Mora and Isla Staack. He was preceded in death by his parents and several members of Eloise’s family.