Vandle “Van” A. Phillips, 89, of South Sioux City went to meet his Lord and Savior on Sunday April 13, 2025, surrounded by his family. The funeral was held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Sunnybrook Community Church, Sioux City, and burial at Lyons City Cemetery. Visitation was Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Mohr & Becker-Hunt Chapel, South Sioux City; Remembrance and Reflection Time followed by Masonic Service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Sunnybrook Community Church/ Kids Ministry or Shriners Hospitals for Children.
Van was born on Oct. 07, 1935, in Lyons, Neb., to Vincent and Mary (Jensen) Phillips. He attended school and graduated from Lyons High school in 1954. He soon met and later married Doris Schneider on March 1, 1957. To this union was born three children.
Van played football at Norfolk Junior College and Wayne State where he graduated with a degree in Secondary Education. He received his master’s degree from the University of Northern Colorado and his Education Specialist degree from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln.
Van began his career as a teacher and coach at Lohrville and later in Missouri Valley. His educational leadership journey started in Stanton, Neb. and he returned to Missouri Valley as Superintendent of Schools until 1986, moving to South Sioux City as Superintendent of Schools until his retirement in 1999. Van was honored to receive the1994 Nebraska Superintendent of the year award. His lifelong work was dedicated to the educational enrichment of kids.
Van was a member of the Blue Lodge of South Sioux City, Abu Beker Shrine, Sunnybrook Community Church, Kiwanis Clubs of Missouri Valley and South Sioux City, Siouxland Antique Auto Club, and Vintage Wheels. He had been active in the South Sioux City Chamber of Commerce and served on the board of directors for Northeast Community College.
Van is proceeded in death by his parents; brother, Lanny; and wife Doris. Survivors include: children, Dawnelle Rohde (Paul), Kristy Cunningham (John), and Brent Phillips (Jennifer); grandsons, Phillip, Shane, and Colby Rohde, Nicholas and Vincent Phillips, Jack Cunningham; and four great-grandchildren.
