John Underberg

John Torger Underberg, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, peacefully entered life everlasting at the stroke of midnight on June 29, 2025, surrounded by his family. Born on February 28, 1938, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Dodge, Iowa, John was the son of Torger "Bob" Underberg-the youngest of 12 children born to Norwegian immigrants, who served in WWI and played minor league baseball-and Mildred Anderson Underberg, a dedicated registered nurse. After his father's passing when John was just eight years old, his mother later married A.L. Kingery, a school superintendent. John spent his early childhood in Humboldt, Iowa, before moving to Ellsworth, where he learned the values of faith, community, and hard work. A 1956 graduate of Ellsworth High School, John cherished his upbringing in a close knit community that nurtured his love for family and service. He studied at Luther College and Iowa State University before serving two years in the United States Army. He often spoke of the joys of small-town life, fondly recalling undefeated basketball seasons and the vibrant life of Ellsworth's churches, schools, and businesses. In 1964, John married Sandy, the love of his life. Together, they built a beautiful life centered on faith, family, and a shared entrepreneurial spirit. After two years of farming for his mother-in-law, Arlie Danielson, John went into farm management and real estate with Farmers National Co., overseeing 72 farms across several Iowa counties. He also invented and patented Lead Pot Sinkers and helped Sandy open a Christian bookstore. In 1977, he established his own farm drainage business, serving local farmers for 37 years before retiring in 2014. His tireless work ethic and dedication to the land were a testament to his enduring commitment to agriculture. John and Sandy were deeply involved in their community-hosting Bible studies in their home and helping build a church that continues to thrive today. John had a gentle, quirky manner and left behind countless memorable quotes and one-liners that will continue to bring smiles and laughter. He also leaves us with the legacy of a heart attuned to the unseen and overlooked. Always ready to lend a hand, John quietly acted as a Good Samaritan to many whose stories may never be known. A lifelong student of constitutional law, John was passionate about protecting civil liberties. His steadfast belief in justice and civic responsibility inspired those around him to stay informed and stand up for their freedoms. John was a devoted husband of 61 years, faithful father to five children - four sons and one daughter - and a proud grandfather to 15 grandchildren. Even in retirement, his passion for hard work endured. He spent much of his later years working farmers markets, making deliveries, and assisting in his son Eric's commercial production of fermented goods. John was also a gifted artist with a God-given ability to recreate realistic pencil portraits. His family is especially grateful for the faithful testimony he lived out - right to the end - often speaking of Heaven and ensuring everyone around him heard about Jesus. John is survived by his loving wife, Sandy; his children, Eric (Sarah), Brett, Chris (Amy), Luke (Elizabeth), and Abby (Jon Unrath); and 15 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Torger "Bob" Underberg and Mildred Anderson Underberg; his stepfather A.L. Kingery; his brother Robert Underberg; and his sister Ardith Tarr. In lieu of flowers, the family would deeply appreciate memorials sent to reach the people of Cuba and Angola: Grace Eternal Missions 27010 67th Ave. E Myakka City, FL 32451