Miss Florence Underwood

UNDERWOOD

Posted By: Ann Bowler (email)
Date: 2/2/2012 at 14:55:45

Florence Underwood was born 6 Apr 1892 and passed away 8 Sep 1971.

“Emmetsburg Reporter” Emmetsburg, Iowa Sepember 14, 1971. P 1

“Florence Underwood Dead At Age 79”

“A lady who devoted more than half her lifetime to young people in Emmetsburg died last week at Palo Alto County Hospital after an extended illness.

Funeral services were held last Friday morning for Miss Florence Underwood, 79. She had been ill for several months and was a resident of Lakeside Lutheran Home prior to entering the hospital here.

Though her death will not be noted by some of today’s residents of Emmetsburg she will be long remembered by many former residents and former students whom she taught.

Florence Underwood was Emmetsburg’s 1965 ‘Citizen of the Year’ and at that time was recognized for 38 years of service to this community as an educator and a lady who gave more to her students than the few hours each day she taught them.

She was, and still remains, the only woman accorded the citizen of the year award, highest honor paid to an individual by Emmetsburg.

In presenting her award in January, 1966, Charles Hughes cited Miss Underwood for her patience in helping teenagers, the countless hours she spent advising and encouraging them, all beyond the call of duty.’ Hughes called those deeds only a few reasons why she qualified for the city honor.

She was also described as having had ‘profound influence upon the lives of many hundreds of people who do now or at one time have called Emmetsburg their home.’

Her service over the decades was carried out in a quiet, unassuming way, the way she desired it. At the age of 67 she requested retirement from the Emmetsburg School Board but was asked to remain on the jpb another year. And beyond that time she devoted nearly full time to a half time library assignment that was asked of her at the school.

Born in the Rolfe community on April 6, 1892, she completed her high school education here in 1908. After college, teaching and three years as county superintendent she returned to Emmertsburg High School in 1927 and taught there for more than half her lifetime.

Funeral services for Miss Underwood were held from United Methodist Church and burial was in Evergreen cemetery with Siefsema Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Her only survivors are cousins from away.

Casket bearers were John Grace, Clint Stille, Jack Daniels, Ed Willis, Virgil Mathis and Robert Nolan.”

“Emmetsburg Democrat” Emmetsburg, Iowa September 9, 1971, P 1.
“Miss Underwood Dies Here”

“Funeral services for Miss Florence Underwood, 79, Emmetsburg, will be held Friday at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church with the Rev. Chester Waterman officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery with the Siefsema Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Miss Underwood, a longtime teacher in the Emmetsburg schools, died at Palo Alto County Hospital on Sept 8.

Survivors include several cousins.”