Nadine Ann (Dirks) Philips, 86, of Akron, Iowa, returned the book of life to its shelf on December 7, 2024, leaving behind a story as Akron's dedicated librarian for over three decades. Her humor, unwavering care for her neighbors, and dedication to her community are some of her greatest chapters.

Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 14, 2024, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, E.L.C.A. in Akron, Iowa. Reverend Eric Alm will officiate. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery in Akron. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, December 13, 2024, at Rexwinkel Funeral Home in Akron. The family will be present from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will resume from 9:00 a.m. until service time on Saturday at the church. Arrangements are with the Rexwinkel Funeral Home in Akron. Expressions of sympathy can be extended to the family through www.rexwinkelfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Nadine's name to the Akron Opera House Restoration Project.

Nadine was born August 22, 1938, in Akron, Iowa, the daughter of Walter and Roberta (Pollock) Dirks. She was baptized at Immanuel Lutheran Church. She graduated from Akron High School in 1956 with perfect attendance. Nadine earned a two-year teaching certificate from Morningside College and taught fifth grade in Sioux City for two years. She later returned to Morningside to earn her bachelor's degree.

Nadine married Sam Philips on June 9, 1959, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Akron where she was a life-long active member. Nadine took her role as a homemaker seriously, balancing family life with working outside the home.

Nadine took a keen interest in serving and volunteering in her community, often in roles behind the scenes. In addition to serving on the Akron-Westfield Community School Board, she was an active volunteer at the school, with the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation, with Meals on Wheels, the Helping Hands Thrift Store, and as a speech judge for the Iowa High School Speech Association for many years. Never one to sit still, Nadine was known for her bustling energy and efficiency.

Survivors include her three children—John (Kerry) of Woodbury, MN; Ann (Eric) of Van Horne, IA; and Mark (LeAnne) of Akron; nine grandchildren; sisters Deanna Boe and Sharon (Dennis) Pauling; and sister-in-law Margaret Talbott.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her sister Judy, brother-in-law Larry Boe, and nephew David Pauling.