Philip Theodore Van Ekeren

Philip Theodore Van Ekeren was born to Dirk (Dick) and Edith (Hoagland) Van Ekeren on March 10, 1931 in Monroe, Iowa and died on November 1, 2025 in Newton, Iowa, at age 94.

After graduating from Monroe High School in 1949 he worked locally before enlisting in the US Army during the Korean War, serving as a mountain and cold weather training officer and later in the reserves until his honorable discharge in 1956. Returning to Monroe, he worked for PAG Seeds and the Rock Island Railroad. Phil married fellow MHS classmate Berta Wittmer on June 9, 1956 at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Des Moines, and they made their home in Monroe until moving to Park Centre in Newton in 2019.

A proud and active Forever Dutch alum, he was a member of the Central College class of 1961. His first job out of college was as a management trainee at Employers Mutual Casualty Company in Des Moines (now EMC Insurance). He retired in 1996 as Senior Vice President and Corporate Secretary, but remained on the corporate board, serving as Chairman of the Board of Employers Mutual until 2005, as well as on the Hamilton Mutual Board and EMC Foundation afterward. He found great fulfillment handling construction oversight of the new 700 Walnut headquarters on behalf of the company. Over his 59 year affiliation with the company, he cultivated treasured friends and colleagues, and was never as happy and challenged as he was when working for EMC.

Phil and Berta valued their small town Iowa roots and were invested in their hometown, the public school, library, Presbyterian church, golf course, senior housing development, and other organizations. He was especially proud of 70 years of continuous membership in American Legion Post 363. A perfect day might include coffee with the boys, a round of golf with dear friends, traveling with family, getting his hands dirty working the land, and a good scotch at the end of the day.

Phil is survived by his wife of 69 years, Berta, their three daughters, Jan Van Ekeren (Kevin Sypolt) of Seabeck, WA, Jo Van Ekeren of Auckland, New Zealand, and Jackie Romp (Bill) of Des Moines, IA; five grandchildren, Philip Sypolt of Boston, MA, Austin Sypolt (Stephanie Sanchez) of Indianapolis, IN, Ellen Sypolt (Layth Yehyawi) of Chicago, IL, Jack Romp of New York, NY, and Jane Romp of Boston, MA, as well as seven dear nieces and nephews and their families.

He was predeceased by his parents, two brothers and a sister and their spouses, Bud and Gen Van Ekeren, Jim and Bert Van Ekeren, and Norma and Don Celania; Berta’s two sisters and brother in law, Bette and Orion Culver, and Perky Callaghan; and two nieces and a nephew.

Graveside services will be held when family members can be present. Memorials may be designated in his name to the Monroe Public Library. “The very existence of libraries affords the best evidence that we may yet have hope for the future of man.” https://www.monroe.lib.ia.us/contact

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.coburnfuneralhomes.com