Phillip James Nelson

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

Phil was born an only child and grew up in Blue Earth, MN, graduating from high school in 1960. He attended Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD and graduated in 1964. He earned his Masters Degree from University of Nebraska in 1965 and began his teaching career at a middle school in Blair, NE where he taught for one year. He credited his wife, Eloise, for getting him his next job at Lincoln High School in Council Bluffs, IA, because she was teaching there at that time. He was recruited to teach for a special social studies group at University of Northern Iowa in 1969. He retired in 2000 after teaching at the UNI Education Center and at the affiliated high school, Malcolm Price Laboratory School, for thirty-one years in the area of secondary social studies education.

While at UNI he participated in over forty NCAA evaluations of Iowa high schools, often serving as the team chair. He composed evaluations containing observations and recommendations for improvement. He also coordinated feedback sessions with the staff of the high schools.

Phil enjoyed hunting, fishing, vacationing at the cabin in northern Minnesota and "antiquing." He spent many years buying, restoring, selling, and collecting antique furniture. He even considered it his part time job before and after retiring from teaching. He spent many years as a Lion's Club member and used his talents as the treasurer for the club. He loved spending time with family and especially enjoyed being around his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

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

He was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law E. LeRoy Pederson; mother-in-law Ellen Pederson; brothers-in-law Donn and Sam Pederson; and sister-in-law, Lolly Pederson.

Visitation will be held from 1- 2 pm with a Celebration of Life beginning at 2 pm on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at the Diamond Event Center, 5307 Caraway Lane, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613. Fellowship time for people to gather with refreshments will follow.