Paul VanderWiel

Paul VanderWiel Jr., 89, of Eagan, MN (formerly of Sioux City), passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 2, 2025 at home.

Born December 11, 1935 in Sheldon, Iowa to Paul VanderWiel Sr. and Florence Block, Paul met the love of his life, Marlene Lundahl at Central High School in Sioux City. They married in 1958 and resided in Sioux City until 2019 when they moved to Eagan, MN.

Paul earned his bachelor’s degree from Morningside College, where he also played football, and his master’s degree from the University of South Dakota. He dedicated his distinguished career to public education in Sioux City, serving as a science teacher, football and track coach and administrator. This journey included roles at Woodrow Wilson Junior High Central High School, West High School and North High School where he was head principal from 1979 to 1991. Before retiring in 2001, he worked for the School District as Director of Secondary Education. Paul had served in the 185th Tactical Fighter Group of the Iowa Air National Guard and held offices for the Siouxland Phi Delta Kappa, Sioux City Sertoma Club, was a board member of the Sioux Interstate Conference for athletics, and enjoyed volunteering for The Special Olympics.

Known for his integrity, honor, and quiet dedication to helping those in need, Paul was recognized with several awards, including the Iowa High School Athletic Association Administrator of the Year in 1996. He truly cared about students and colleagues he worked with.

Paul was a masterful handyman, builder, and craftsman, building two homes for his family. It’s rumored that he visited Menard’s every day after his retirement, sometimes just to hang out. He was an avid woodworker, with his shop famously transforming into "Santa's Workshop" every December for his grandchildren. In retirement, he and Marlene enjoyed travel and winters in Gulf Shores, AL. His many hobbies included making home brewed beer, shipbuilding, and taking fishing trips.

He was most proud of his family. He and Marlene raised three children and worked side-by-side to create beautiful homes, landscapes and memories. The doors to their homes were always open and welcoming to extended family and friends. Paul taught his children and grandchildren the importance of understanding and respecting the natural world. His grandkids loved the magical “secret garden” he and Marlene created on their acreage. Paul will be remembered as a straight shooter (being subtle wasn’t his strength) and a man of few, but very direct words; some of his one-liners are legendary.

Paul was a loving husband, father, father-in-law and grandfather. He was preceded in death by his brother Cecil, sister Elaine and daughter-in-law Jodi.

Paul’s survivors include Marlene, his wife of 67 years, daughter Ann VanderWiel-Wilde of St Paul, MN, sons Steven VanderWiel (Pam) of Rosemount, MN and David VanderWiel of Brecksville, OH, brothers Robert VanderWeil of Sioux City, IA and Richard VanderWeil of Spokane, WA, and six loving grandchildren: Izabel, Samual, Eva, Ada, Hana and Adria.

A private family service was held in Eagan, MN. A Celebration of Life for Paul will be held January 11, 2026, 2:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sioux City.

Condolences can be sent via Legacy.com. Memorials can be sent to the Siouxland Community Foundation for a fund established in Paul’s memory designated for Siouxland Habitat for Humanity at:
https://siouxlandcf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=2653