Richard “Rich” Lee Underwood

Richard “Rich” Lee Underwood

Cedar Rapids

Richard “Rich” Lee Underwood, 64, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, went home to be with the Lord on December 1, 2025.

A visitation will be held on Friday, December 5, 2025, from 5:00–7:00 PM at the Cedar Memorial Chapel Stateroom. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Peace Christian Reformed Church.

Rich was born on January 4, 1961, in Hammond, Indiana, to Richard and Mary (Laramie) Underwood. He graduated from Griffith High School in Griffith, Indiana, and went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Communications from Purdue University–Calumet.

Rich had a deep passion for helping others and spent more than 35 years shaping young minds at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids. Throughout his career, he was recognized with numerous awards and retired as one of the college’s most distinguished educators.

In 1989, Rich married the love of his life, Carla. For 36 years, she was his constant companion and the center of his world. Together they raised three sons, whom Rich proudly supported in every aspect of their lives, especially in their education and athletic pursuits.

Rich is survived by his wife, Carla; his children Jordan (Rosana), Chad (Lauren), and Justin (Cassandra); his five cherished grandchildren, Lillian, Olivia, Jaxon, August, and Jayden; and his beloved dog, Bella. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Mary.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.