Charles William "Bill" Underkofler

Bill Underkofler, age 83, of Wichita, KS, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2023, at home surrounded by his family. Bill was born on June 8, 1939, in Harlan, Iowa, to Charles Wilbur and Leota Mae (Gore) Underkofler. Bill grew up on their family farm near Burns, Kansas. He graduated from high school in 1957 and continued his education at Kansas State University. Bill served honorably for 6 years in the Army National Guard. Bill and Marilyn Kechely were married on February 6, 1966, in Phillipsburg, Kansas. Bill retired as Director of Economic Development from Westar Energy in 2000 and worked as a funeral assistant for Downing & Lahey Mortuary. Bill loved the Lord, life, and people. He always had time for a chat, a cup of coffee, or to lend a helping hand. Bill was a member of Pathway Church - Westlink. He enjoyed traveling and serving on mission trips. Bill will be remembered as a man of many words - many stories. He loved his family and was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. We will miss him dearly. Preceded in death by his parents. Bill is survived by his wife of 57 years, Marilyn; son, Robert “Bob” and wife, Laura; son, Richard “Rick” and wife, Waltraud; son, Rodd and wife, LaShae; grandchildren, Ashley (Nick) Steen, Amanda (Kayzn) Baker, Erik and David Underkofler, Aliza Underkofler; great grandchild, Declan Steen; sister, Jean Elgin; sister-in-law, LeElda (Ray) Daubert; nieces, Shauna (Mat) Miller, Shelley (Joe) Leatherwood; nephew, Shane (Lynne) Evans. Visitation will be 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Friday, June 9, 2023; Funeral Service will be 2:00 pm, Saturday, June 10, 2023, both at Downing & Lahey West Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, P. O. Box 96105, Washington, DC 20090-6105, The National WWII Museum, 945 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, and Wounded Warriors Project, P. O. Box 78581, Topeka, KS 66675-8516.

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