I was so sad to hear about Rich's passing. He was a colleague, a mentor and a friend. Rich truly made a difference in the lives he touched on a daily basis, and the world was a better place because of him. He spoke so lovingly of his family that I hope the special memories you have of Rich provide you some peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Terri Long Jedlicka
December 8, 2025
I’m so incredibly sorry for your family’s loss. I took Oral Communications with Rich at the beginning of my time at Kirkwood. I was extraordinarily scared and hated public speaking. I went to the first class and knew I was going to be just fine. Rich had a comforting presence. He made sure our class felt like a family and encouraged each of us to interact and get to know each other which allowed me to make some great connections with friends I still have to this day. He cared about the students and it showed.
Kayla Acosta
December 7, 2025
Rich personified commitment, engagement, and interest in students. He had been at Kirkwood quite a while before I arrived and was the sort of person you thought would teach forever. Certainly he will be in the hearts of many for a long, long time. I know this is a difficult time for friends and family - but his memory will sweeten the lives of many in the months and years ahead.
David McMahon
December 6, 2025
My payers go to Carla and the boys, I meant Rich through scouts. Then Peace Church. Rich was always willing to help anyone. He always had a happy smile, my late wife Called him pitcher. Do to a typo on an scout event.
Carla just think of all the trouble him and Shary are causing now.
Chuck Connel
December 6, 2025
Rich and I have been friends for over three decades. We first met at Trinity Lutheran School in Cedar Rapids. Our kids grew up together, starting in the first grade.
I always have fond memories of Rich. We both love football. He was a huge Chicago Bear’s fan and I am an Indianapolis Colt’s fan. We would always talk football when we got a chance to catch up with one another. Always teasing one another about our football teams. Oh how I will miss our conversations about football and life in general.
Rich was always involved with his sons’ lives growing up. I saw him at many basketball games when our kids were growing up. He was a model father- always involved.
At Kirkwood, we were involved with several committees together. Both of us taught the first year new faculty onboarding professional development. We spent a lot of time together creating an empowering program for new faculty We have always enjoyed working with one another.
Rich taught both of my daughters in his communications class. Both my daughters have fond memories of Rich as their professor. I know for a fact that he made a tremendous impact in both of my daughter’s lives.
Working with Rich at Kirkwood, the past three decades has been a joy and a privilege. Rich always brought the best in me. He inspired me with his passion and love for students.
Over the years, we always cherished kids’ accomplishments. He was always so proud of his sons. More importantly, he loved his wife more than life itself.
Rich has been an important part of my life and I will miss you.
I can’t wait to see you in heaven sitting on the football stands cheering our Colts and Bears.
Love you, brother
Art Khaw
Art Khaw
December 5, 2025
My deepest condolences to Richard’s family and friends.
It has been moving to hear the many wonderful reflections shared by his past students and friends. Richard was truly a champion for those around him-family, friends, and students alike.
I had the privilege of attending Griffith High School with Richard, and I will always remember his dedication, kindness, and the way he brightened each day. He had a tradition of sharing a “word of the week” with me, something that showed his love of learning and his generous spirit. His voice reminded me of the actor Jimmy Stewart, and during our senior year in 1979, I encouraged him to watch It’s A Wonderful Life-a film that seemed perfectly suited to his character.
Richard was a remarkable person, and his memory will continue to inspire all who knew him. I wish his family strength, comfort, and peace during this difficult time.
Bill Baran, Jr.
December 5, 2025
Carla and family, please know I mourn with you at Rich's passing. He and I worked together closely my last few years at Peace (just like I worked with you during my early years!), and he always made me feel that my work was appreciated and valued. The world is sadder without him. You are in my prayers. Sending you love and a big hug, Deb
Debra Bell Geiser
December 5, 2025
I was very sad to read about Rich’s passing. What a loss for everyone, especially his beloved family.
For some time he was a coworker of mine at Kirkwood. He was an enthusiastic, inspiring and admired teacher who took great pride in his students. And a great friend and mentor to many of us.
There are not enough words to describe how many lives Rich touched for the best. I will always remember him looking happy, smiling and eager to help.
He was incredibly proud of his family and talked about his boys and his dear wife often.
My sincere condolences to Carla, their children and grandchildren.
May the Lord help you to find peace and to rejoice in your memories of the great man Rich was.
Ana María Berry
December 5, 2025
I don't even know where to begin with this. I first want to send my deepest and heartfelt condolences to Carla, his boys whom he was always so proud of, and all of his beautiful grandchildren.
Rich was my professor at Kirkwood for Public Speaking. If there was one thing that he taught me, it was to stand tall and confident in all that I do. But also, don't talk so much, as I tend to give speeches that last way longer than they are supposed to. He believed in me, encouraged me, and even became a big part of my children's lives when he had my youngest daughter paint a picture he gave to Carla for Christmas last year. I learned so much about not only Public Speaking but also about myself from him.
He also came to me and my family's rescue when we finally found a home after a period of struggle and was so generous to bring us things we needed, even though we were an hour away because I was beginning my journey at UNI.
On the very last day of classes at Kirkwood, and his very last day as an instructor, Rich gave me a copy of his textbook he wrote and signed it, "To one of my best and brightest. Good luck!" I will cherish this forever. And whenever I am feeling like I can't go anymore, your frequent comment to me, "you sure don't half as* anything do you Bree?" will pop in my head and give me strength to push through.
You're the brightest star in the darkest of nights, and will always be more than just one of my professors. You were truly one of my greatest friends. I think the last time I saw you, there was even a comment that you became a "dad" figure to me in a way and I truly cherish and appreciate that.
The world was a better place because he was in it! And now he gets to watch down over us all. RIP Rich, we all truly love you so much and you will be so missed!
Brianne "Mascher" Garrison
December 4, 2025
Rich Underwood made it possible for me to have a career. He was my college mentor, my boss for a while, an instructor who taught me and encouraged me to get my degree. AND MY FRIEND. He changed much of my life. He did that for so many He truly wanted Everyone of his students be successful in what ever they pursued. His hair was often messy, shirt wrinkled, running around semi-stressed because he would be always helping: Rich was like that because he was so humble he probably never knew how many people loved and admired him for his selfless work. You were a real angel of hope to so many Rich. Now you can be an angel from heaven. Carla and boys, I am so very sorry for your loss…. “The good they die young”. So they say, but it doesn’t seem fair…. I am glad that he was in our lives, He sure had a Most Beautiful family. He was the greatest teacher I ever had🥲😢😔
John Schafer
December 4, 2025
Rich was a great man and Teacher and friend.
My heart goes out to Carla, Jordan, Chad and Justin.
He will be greatly missed and the world lost a badass
Mike Murphy
December 4, 2025
Rich's generous support, knowledge, and encouragement will stay with me forever. Deepest sympathies to his loved ones.
Lexi Fields
December 4, 2025
Rich and I go way back at Kirkwood. He was a great guy. So sorry he’s gone. Rfevo
Jim Withrow
December 4, 2025
Rich was a terrific colleague. His sense of service to the students was second to none. Rich served the faculty in a variety of capacities as well, including a stint as KFA president. I valued his humor and wit, his cheerful banter, and his positive attitude. Truly, Rich was a one of a kind guy. I wish you all comfort during this challenging time, and the best kind of comfort I can offer is the kind of encouragement and support I have seen Rich offer time and time again.
Catherine Schaff-Stump
December 4, 2025
Rich was a dear friend, a phenomenal longtime faculty member in our department, a mentor to so many at Kirkwood, a supportive colleague, and truly one of the kindest people I’ve ever known. He was simply one of a kind. I’ll always remember Rich's encouragement and steady belief in me when I anxiously leaped into my role at Kirkwood. His guidance and sincerity meant so much to us all and it's been incredible to hear all of the stories from so many folks across the college that Rich left an impact on. Thinking of his entire family during this time of loss and change. 💙🤍
Carolyn Gonzalez
December 3, 2025
Carla and Family,
Please accept my deepest heartfelt sympathy for your loss. I am still shocked and in disbelief that Rich is gone. He was a great friend and an asset to our Iowa region PTK. He will be dearly missed, and I will never forget his caring personality and his service as an effective executive board president for the PTK Iowa region. I wish you and your family peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Sima Dabir
December 3, 2025
Carla and Family
My Deepest Sympathy To You and Your Sons with the Loss of Rich! I have known Rich for 35 years and he was a great friend and he was one of the best Communication & Speech Professors I have ever known. I was Agribusiness Professor and then I worked in Counseling and Career Services for 30 years. For 20 + years I would come into his Speech classes the start of every semester and towards the end informing students about our services in the areas I worked in. Rich would have students he would send to me that needed help. Also when students asked me which Professor would be the best Instructor in teaching Speech. They would scared in getting up front of people and after they took his class the students would come back and thank me suggested Rich’s class! We talked through out every year and he liked sports especially basketball and love to talked about his sons! He loved his sons and learning when they got married and having grandchildren. I’m going to miss Rich a lot as he was a very kind man and very knowledgeable in many areas of his profession! Most importantly he loved to teach students and care for them! There are many students who will and treasure Rich forever! I had students who went on to 4 year college and would tell me Rich was one of the best Professors they had through four years of college!
My prayers will be for all of you and Rich!
RIP Rich!
Morris M Pounds
December 3, 2025