William Leland Underkofler

William Underkofler Obituary

William Leland (Bill) Underkofler
formerly of Vestal, N.Y.
William Leland (Bill) Underkofler, formerly of Vestal, N.Y., died October 31, 2008 in Leominster, Mass. Bill was born in Ames, Iowa, the son of Leland and Mabel (Horn) Underkofler. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Judith (Webster) Underkofler, formerly of Vestal, now of Clinton, Mass.; three sons, Daniel of Lafayette, Colo., Jay of Natchez, Miss., and Mark of W. Boylston, Mass.; a brother, Leon of Blanchard, Idaho; and six grandchildren, Kevin, Ryan, Logan, Kaylee, Sarah, and Evan. Bill's lifelong passion was for radio control airplane and helicopter models. As such, he is also survived by a fleet of superbly crafted models. He was a recognized expert on all aspects of the hobby technology. Many of his closest, lifelong friends were from the hobby. His family came first. He was a scout leader for 20 years and coached Jr. baseball for his young sons. Bill earned a BS in chemistry from Iowa State College in 1958. After serving as an officer in the U.S. Army Signal Corps, he earned a Ph.D. in electro-chemistry from the University of Wisconsin in 1963. He spent his entire career with IBM, becoming a leader in printed circuit board (PCB) fabrication technology. In 1974 he was granted a landmark U.S. patent and received an Outstanding Achievement Award for development of PCB plating. This basic process was the stepping stone that literally changed the way the electronic industry designed and manufactured PCBs and electronic devices of all kinds.
A memorial service will be held at the Vestal United Methodist Church, 328 Main St. in Vestal, N.Y. on Wednesday, November 5th, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association at: www.alz.org/join_the_cause_donate.asp.

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Published by Press & Sun-Bulletin on Nov. 3, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for William Underkofler

12 Entries

Todd Kopl

November 8, 2008

Dear Judy & Family,

I was very sorry to hear about Bill's passing and would like to express my sympathy. I met Bill through the Aeroguidance Society beginning in the mid 80's as a teen and he was a fantastic mentor who made a lasting impression on me to this day. He will be missed.

Linda Weygant

November 6, 2008

Judy, Dan, Mark & Jay,

Please accept my condolences on Bill's passing. I know you will miss him, but you will always have the happy memories of the time that you were together. Good thoughts are being sent your way by me and my family.

Wynn Aker

November 6, 2008

The thoughts and prayers of the Aker family are with you and your family, Judy. Your loss is also our loss - Bill played a large role in my learning the RC craft, and he was a great friend.

Don & Margot Goodrich

November 6, 2008

Dear Judy,

We're thinking of you in your time of loss. We pray Gods peace be with you and your family.

Margot has many fond memories of quilting and sewing with you and we'll never forget the stay at the camp.

Don and Margot Goodrich

Barb

November 5, 2008

Judy, My kids still treasure the thoughts of the wkend we spent at Teawana. Thanks for those memories and those of your wonderful Golden Retriever and her visits to dog camp.
The holes you all have in your hearts will heal over time, and the good memories will fill that empty space and become stronger and more precious. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Dick & Nancy Viau

November 4, 2008

Judy, we were so sorry to get your news about Bill. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Billie Winskie

November 4, 2008

May God bless and give you comfort at this difficult time, Judy.
Miss you at Guild.

Jamie A

November 3, 2008

Judy and family:

I knew Bill from AGS and flying RC. He never ceased to amaze me with his knowledge of pretty much anything you could ask him. He clearly loved to learn and that trait is one that I share with him. He will be sorely missed by all that knew him. He may be gone in body, but his spirit will live on through all the people he touched during his lifetime.

We're praying for you folks...

Jamie A.

Marie Zimmer

November 3, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Cathie Russell

November 3, 2008

On behalf of Roger K Sporre and myself, we offer our condolences on Bill's passing. I remember his faithful service to WSKG as he volunteered his time and skill in helping with projects that needed his attention.
Thanks Bill..Rest in Peace

Susan Lake

November 3, 2008

I remember Bill as a cheerful, soft-spoken man who was very generous with his time. For years he volunteered much of his time helping to maintain the facilities at WSKG. He was a great help to all of us at the station. Sorry for your loss.

Lori O'Hanlon

November 3, 2008

Dear Judy, Lee, Dan, Jay, Mark, and grands,
I am very sorry to hear of Guv's passing. He will be missed. It has been a long time since I've gotten to sit on the dock with him at night and have him point out all the stars and constellations, but to this day I still look up at night and wish I had him there to point them out again. I can only remember the easy ones. ;)
Hugs, thoughts, and prayers to all of you,
Lori

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