Dale Eugene Underwood

Dale Underwood, a cherished member of the Blooming Prairie community, passed away peacefully on December 10, 2024, at the age of 83. He was surrounded by family on his farm, the place he loved most.

Born on April 18, 1941, to Gerald and Borghild Underwood, Dale grew up on the family farm in Dodge County. He attended Westfield Country School just up the road from the farm. After graduating from Dodge Center High School in 1959, he worked on the farm with his father and eventually took the reins and dedicated his life to its stewardship.

Dale was a man of quiet strength, with a deep love for the land, his family, and his community. He was a devoted husband to his late wife, Rosalie, who passed away in 2021 after 58 years of marriage. Together, they raised four children, instilling in them the values of hard work, integrity, a sense of humor, and the importance of family.

Dale was an avid sportsman who greatly enjoyed his hunting and fishing expeditions including three African safaris, several trips to Canada, and countless trips up north and to the western states. He liked to share the stories of his own hunts and trophies with others and hung on every detail of the stories shared by his hunting and fishing buddies. 

Dale played an integral part in the restoration of the Westfield Lutheran Church which was constructed by his grandfather. He took great pride in the many services held there over the past several years. He would personally call dozens of people to invite them. Dale was an active member of St. Columbanus Catholic Church for many years serving as lector, extraordinary minister and member of the Knights of Columbus.

In his later years, Dale enjoyed watching the birds and pheasants in the yard and taking drives to his wildflower fields. He was never without his flip-phone and his 500 contacts (seriously!). If he wasn't catching up with friends and family, he was reading, surrounded by piles of books. He also found great joy with his grandkids and great-grandkids: giving tractor rides, making yearly Sheldon the Elf phone calls, sharing black licorice, watching cartoons, and playing outside. 

Everyone Dale met he considered a friend. He touched the lives of many with his kindness, wisdom, and generosity. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the entire community.

Survivors include his trusty dog, Janie; son, Nathan Underwood; daughters, Rebecca Brudwick, Juliet (Tom) Wanous, and Rachel (Stacy) Aldrich; grandchildren, Lynsee (Nick) Kuras, Kristina (Collin) McDonald, Tommy Wanous, Macey (Conor) Wanderscheid, Kellen (Hannah) Brudwick, Errin Brudwick, and Casper Aldrich; great-grandchildren, Christian, Solveig, Trygve, Kieran, Cash, Cannon, Carver, and Baby B; sister, Geraldine Vaith; brother-in-law, Lee Bryngelson; sister-in-law, Carol (Joe) May; foster daughter, Tamara Lague; and dozens of nieces, nephews, godchildren, and so many friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rosalie and many loved ones. 

The family invites everyone to a Celebration of Life on Friday, December 27, 2024, from 2:00-5:00 p.m. at the Blooming Prairie Servicemen’s Club. Please come share your stories and let us know of any books that you lent to Dale so we can return them!

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to The Westfield Lutheran Church. 

Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home in Blooming Prairie is assisting the family with arrangements.