Josh Underwood

Josh Underwood, 30, of Harlan, died Friday at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan.

Joshua Michael, son of Rick and Mary (Bauer) Underwood, was born December 8, 1976, in Nürnberg, Germany. In 1978, the family moved back to the United States and made their home in Denison where Josh attended St. Rose of Lima Grade School.

He then attended Denison High School where he played soccer and graduated with the Class of 1995. Josh earned a degree in Environmental Studies in 1997 from Iowa Lakes Community College and a degree in Water and Wastewater in 1998 from Kirkwood Community College.

On April 21, 2006, Josh was united in marriage with Elizabeth (Liz) Schwery at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Earling.

The couple lived in Harlan where Josh worked as a water operator for Harlan Municipal Utilities.

Josh was an active member of the WRAC archery club. In his spare time he enjoyed spending time with his children and family, hunting, fishing, and playing pool.

On Thursday, July 12, 2007, Josh suddenly and unexpectedly collapsed while working repairing a water main during the late night hours. He was taken to Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa where he died on July, 13, 2007 at the age of 30 years, 7 months and 5 days.

Preceding him in death are his sister Billie Brink in 2004; 2 great grandmothers Marie Drees, who lived with them when Josh was growing up, and Bertha Bauer; and grandfather Paul Underwood.

Josh is survived by his wife Liz and two children Hunter and Aschtian Underwood of Harlan; parents Rick and Mary Underwood of Denison; grandparents Joan and Don Bauer of Manilla; grandmother Miriam Underwood of Sioux City; mother- and father- in-law Leo and Jan Schwery of Earling; two brothers-in-law Jordan and Joe Schwery of Earling; sister-in-law Katie Schwery of Earling; nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends.

Visitation was after 3:00 pm, Monday, July 16, 2007, Rosary 4:00 pm, prayer service 7:00 pm, Ohde Funeral Home, Manilla, Ia. Mass of Christian Burial was Tuesday, July 17, 2007, 10:30 am. Sacred Heart Church, Manilla, Ia. Celebrants; Rev. Andrew Hoffman, Sacred Heart Church, Manning, Rev. Mike Berner, Deacon Pat Davitt. Lector; Geoff Rasmussen. Mass Servers; Jordan Kenkel and Kiley Holdsworth. Music; On Eagles Wings, One Bread, One Body, Be Not Afraid, Sacred Heart adult choir, Marilyn Backhaus, organist, Every Breathe You Take recording. Casket Bearers; Eric Argotsinger, Donald Cote, Andy Cote, Dave Inman, Coby Inman, Aaron Schmadeke. Interment Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Manilla, Ia.