Dennis Underwood

Dennis Underwood, 60, of Milbank, SD, passed away on Monday, January 8, 2024, at University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Milbank. Fr. Brian Eckrich will celebrate the Mass. Visitation will be held at Mundwiler Funeral Home on Monday, January 15, beginning at 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church on Tuesday, one hour prior to the Mass. Burial will be in the Milbank City Cemetery.

Dennis was born on April 4, 1963, in Milbank, SD, to Arlin and Marla (Frerichs) Underwood. He was baptized and confirmed at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Milbank and later converted to Catholicism. His passion for classic cars, knowledge for the mechanics of them, and his skills and interest in do-it-yourself handiwork were learned and fostered early in his childhood by his own father, and carried through into the rest of his life.

On July 26, 1980, Dennis married Deborah (Deb) Westermeyer. While their journey started young, their love and dedication to each other never ceased during their nearly 44 years of marriage. Dennis exhibited that same dedication to his career at Saputo, where he remained a loyal and respected employee and leader for more than 40 years.

Together, Dennis and Deb raised their three boys: William “Bill”, Brian, and Mathew “Matt” in Milbank, giving them each a childhood full of love while also instilling his passion, wisdom, and knowledge into the same things he himself learned from his own father. As Dennis learned from his father, he too taught his boys that the day wasn’t done until the work was finished.

As he was with his own three kids, Dennis was also an adored grandfather to seven grandkids who all loved and cherished him as much as he loved and cherished them. Dennis took his role as a grandpa as seriously as he took each of the other roles in his life, giving each of his grandkids the doting attention and care to build their own unique relationship with him and make beautiful memories.

Dennis was known to take intense pride in his family, home, and vehicles. He often took Deb to one of their favorite vacations spots to Lake Superior to celebrate anniversaries, visit extended family, or just to get away to spend time together. At home, he could be found working on his never-ending home projects or helping Deb with her own projects, like assisting her in getting flowers to plant for her beloved flower garden every year on Mother’s Day.  Dennis also enjoyed watching racing or the Vikings.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Deb; his three children: William (Heather) Underwood, Brian (Jessica) Underwood, and Mathew Underwood; seven grandchildren: Corissa Schwartz, Grace Ahles, Weston Schwartz, Devon Underwood, Alyssa Underwood, Lincoln Underwood, and Theodore Underwood. He is also survived by eight siblings: Ardelle (Doug) Dexter, Daniel Underwood, Gary (Jeanette) Underwood, Larry (Annie) Underwood, Steven Underwood, Kathy Underwood, Lisa (Brian) Dimberg, and Anita (Mike) Wendland; brother-in-law, Dennis Schmitz; uncle, Gene (Judy) Frerichs; aunt, Betty West; many nieces, nephews, in-laws, and his Saputo family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arlin and Marla; and his sister, Sandy (Dennis) Schmitz.