Obituary of Barbara J. Underwood

Barbara J (Gleasman) Underwood, 76, passed away with family by her side at her home in Whitewater, WI, Tuesday, July 28th 2015, following a brief battle with lung cancer. She was born in Rockford, IL, the daughter of Laurence and Elizabeth (Schmidt) Gleasman. Barb was a 1957 graduate of Beloit High School, and received her teaching degree in 1961 from UW-Whitewater, where she met her husband. She was united in marriage to Robert H. Underwood on July 27th, 1963. They made their home and raised their children in Wauwatosa, WI, where she taught elementary school, then worked as a substitute teacher. She was a dedicated mother who stayed active in her sons� activities, both in and out of school, often in leadership roles. Upon retirement, Barb and Bob made their home in Whitewater. Barb was a member of the First English Church of Whitewater, Alpha Club, and was an avid golfer. On nice days one could find her at the Whitewater Country Club playing with her golfing buddies, in the ladies league, or a tournament. She also enjoyed the many productions offered at the university, as well as her casino bus trips. Barb loved her family and leaves behind her two sons, James (Jeanne) Underwood of Austin, TX, and Michael (LuAnn) Underwood of Racine, WI, and her six grandchildren, Tara Conneally, Timothy, Andrew, Samuel, Joshua, and Sarah Underwood. She was preceded in death by her parents, Larry and Betty Gleasman, her dear friend and father-in-law Harold W. Underwood, and her husband, Bob, with whom she�s been anxious to be reunited. A memorial service celebrating Barb�s life will be held on August 7th at 11:00 a.m. at the First English Church, 401 W. Main Street, in Whitewater. Family will greet friends immediately before and after the service. Per Barb�s wishes, there will be no visitation, and a private family burial of both her and her husband�s cremains will occur at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Rainbow Hospice,1225 Remmel Dr, Johnson Creek, WI, or to a favorite charity of choice. The family would like to express a special thank you to Rainbow Hospice, specifically Joyce and Mike, for their special kindness and gentle care, and Barb�s friends for their unflinching support, cards and visits during her illness. The Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater, WI is assisting the family.