James Underkofler

MIDDLETON- James R. Underkofler, age 91, went peacefully to his heavenly home on Wednesday, March 18, 2015 while at his residence in Scottsdale, AZ.

Jim was born on October 25, 1923 in Baraboo, WI, son of the late Ray and Margaret Underkofler. He graduated from Portage High School in 1941. He served in WW II as a anti tank gunner in the 104th Timberwolf Infantry Division, until his discharge in 1945. He received the Purple Heart after being wounded, hospitalized, and returning to the front lines. His character and unshakable sense of duty and honor were probably forged in these years. He was immensely proud of the unit and men that he served with.

Following his service, he married his first wife, Dorothy Paske, in 1947. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin, as well as his Law Degree in 1950. His entire career was with Wisconsin Power and Light Co. (Alliant Energy), beginning as a clerk in the mail room while attending college until he retired in 1990 as Chairman and CEO. James was a member of the Rotary Club, Ye Olde Warre Club, and his men's Lunch Bunch. He also served his community in many capacities, such as chairing and serving on several boards including the United Way, Meriter Hospital, Nelson Industries, W.M.C., and 1st WI Bank. Upon his retirement, WPL Holdings and a UW System regent at the time, created the Alliant Energy Underkofler Excellence in Teaching Awards as a way to recognize outstanding teachers in the UW system. The awards pay tribute to Jim's enduring interest in encouraging and promoting undergraduate teaching excellence. In spite of a long, remarkable list of accomplishments and awards, he remained unimpressed by status, wealth, or title. He was quick to soundly criticize anyone, particularly those in powerful positions of responsibility who failed to live up to a simple credo: Work hard, serve loyally, and under all circumstances act with integrity.

He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Dorie, two sisters, Nancy Dalton and Drea Mehne, one brother, Mike (Mary), five children; James H. (Susan), Thomas R. (Lynn), R. Craig, Kevin S, and Cynthia M. Mabie (David); four stepchildren; Sheri Harris (Bill), Lori Norgren (Chris), Pam McSherry, Paula Ferreri (Pino); loving grandchildren; Dylan (Alaina), Thomas S. (Trisha), Michelle Schmitz (Jeff), Sara Williams (Sheldon), Jason (Tara), Megan Peters, Dakota, Sierra, Storm, Ellie, Samuel (Angi), Kelly, Jacob, Casey, Joshua Mabie (Kersten), Nathan Mabie (Lynn), Ashley Smith (Micah), Zachary Harris; Josh, David and Noah Norgren; Alyssa, Anthony and Ashley Ferreri; Leah McSherry; and 17 precious great grandchildren.

Preceded in death by sisters Mary Jane Kleist and Patricia Kegal.

Funeral Services will be held at Bethel Lutheran Church on Saturday, May 16, 2015, with Pastor Scot Sorensen officiating. A visitation will be held at 10am followed by the service at 11:00am. Friends and relatives are invited to stay for a reception immediately after the service at Bethel Church.

Memorials may be made to Bethel Lutheran Church, AGRACE Palliative Homecare, or Hospice of the Valley (Phoenix, AZ). May God bless the wonderful, compassionate and caring staff who helped care for Jim.


"Jim...as a Husband, Father, Grandpa, and Friend, your sweet touch, your gentle words, and your sense of humor will be missed."


Cress Funeral Service
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
(608) 238-3434