Chester Edward Underwood
August 06, 1928 - October 19, 2020
Obituary
MOUNT HOREB - Chester Edward “Chet” Underwood was a very lucky man, who died on Monday, Oct. 19, 2020, after a long and happy life. He was born Aug. 6, 1928, to Chester L. and Ida (Erickson) Underwood. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War as a Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class in charge of operating rooms and the ship’s pharmacy. He went on to earn a master’s degree in Biochemistry, worked on some of the early research into Warfarin, and ended his working career as a hospital and lab inspector for the State of Wisconsin.
He married Joan Fosshage in 1952. They had two sons, Paul and Matt. In 1963, they moved to a small farm in Vermont Township, with a few cows and horses, and a huge garden. Chet was an avid gardener, and gardened with his sons in his later years, which provided him great joy. A friendship with Sandy Stevenson, the founder of Tyrol Basin, got the whole family into downhill skiing, which was also good fun. Most winters culminated in a ski trip to the U.P. or northern Wisconsin.
Chet married Lee Jones in 1990 and spent many happy years with her, traveling throughout the state. They had lots of bird feeders, loved watching the migratory birds come through each spring and fall, and participated in the Christmas birdcount each year. He participated in the Badger Honor Flight. Chet enjoyed yard work and cutting firewood, and heated their house with wood for many years. In his later years, he loved weather cold enough to light up the fireplace.
Chet is survived by his wife, Lee; his sons, Paul (Sue) and Matt (Judy); grandchildren, Ullr, Steve, Rachel, and Tory, Riley and Brady Ellarson; Lee’s children, Bud and Leslie; sister, Betty (Max); and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Lyle (Dorothy Mae), Donald (June), George (Belle), and Leroy (Mary Lou); and sister, Ruth (Fitch) Taylor.
Per Chet’s request, no services will be held. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson Camacho Mount Horeb
Funeral & Cremation Care
500 N. Eighth St.
(608) 407-5077
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Memories
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Chester Underwood
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Uncle Chet and I Jerry Underwood were riding together in a golf cart in New Jersey! Uncle Chet was doing the pedals gas and brake and I was driving and we were on a side hill, and came upon our ball! I shouted hit the brake, and uncle Chet did, and I turned the wheel, and we did about 4 or 5 360 spins on the wet fairway! What a ride! Lucky nobody from the course saw us! Was fun time!
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Chester Underwood
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I also have great memories of Uncle Chet and Lee where I got to know Lee and Uncle Chet better, was at Thanksgiving with Uncle Max Aunt Betty, and of course my parents! I really enjoyed spending the time around the table it allowed me to get to know Lee better, and Uncle Chet! Great memories!
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Francine Rask
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Always enjoyed my conversations with Chet as he inspected the labs I led in Beaver Dam and then in Sauk Prairie. He had interesting stories. Pleasant person doing compliance inspections
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Leslie Metz
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What I remember most is adventurous spirit and how much he liked being out of doors. He had so much patience when taching me to ski at 7 years old. He was a a 2nd Dad to me for 43 years and I will miss him greatly. I loved his interesting mind and always learned something new from him. To you Chet see you on the other side!
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Drew Lawrence
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Matt, Paul and families...very sorry for your loss. May the many good memories expressed here and in your hearts help fill the void of losing a parent. Drew Lawrence
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David Hassemer
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Paul and Matt I was saddened to see the passing of your father. He was one of the first people I got to know when I moved to Madison and we soon became good friends. He got me interested in skiing, starting at Tyrol and eventually I journeyed up north to meet him for few days on some bigger hills. Great memories - he was a very patient teacher. We also had tickets together for Badger football games, and for many, many years, Badger hockey. I also remember a few late fall days when I would help cut and stack firewood. He was always a pleasure to be around, sharing his wit and wisdom, traits I know he left with you. Though losing a parent is indeed very hard, I know you have many fond memories that will get you through this period. My best wishes and sympathy go to you both, and to Lee, whom he was blessed to shared these last three decades. Thanks for the memories Chet...... David Hassemer