Jerri Julia Underwood

Jerri Julia Underwood was born on March 20, 1946, in Omaha, Nebraska to Frank and Jarmila Janicek.  Jerri was the youngest of three children, following her eldest sister Helen who was seventeen, and her elder brother Lad who was fourteen.  She attended Omaha South High School and graduated in 1964.  Jerri was involved with music, drama, and theatre in school.  She continued her creative involvement after she graduated, and she eventually ended up meeting her husband Eric in community theatre; they got married in 1977.  Jerri and Eric were both fond of fur-balls - cats and teddy bears - and had collections of both.  They were involved in numerous ventures together over the years, including Avon, Christmas Around the World, and starting their own company called ERI Consultants.

Jerri wasn't able to have children of her own, but that did not stop her from giving love and support to others.  She had one horse and seventeen cats and rescued just about everything she could - including two stray dogs at her farm.  She donated generous amounts of money and time to organizations that help save and support both children and animals in need.  Some of her favorites to give to included Kiwanis, Children's Miracle Network, St. Jude's Children's Hospital, Easterseals, Nebraska Humane Society, YES Kids, and The Nature Conservancy.

Jerri was an avid reader and enjoyed going to the movies and baking cookies.  She worked for Drew Kouris for close to 40 years, where Drew became like a brother to her.  She also gave full and lifetime support to WFLA, the Czech-language Western Fraternal Life Association, volunteering her services for any need they had in our region.

Jerri lived every day thinking about and caring for others.  She indeed carried on Eric’s legacy and philosophy of “The service you give to others is the price you pay for the space you occupy on earth!”  Jerri loved and served above and beyond expectations.

Jerri was preceded in death by Frank and Jarmilla Janicek; husband Eric Underwood; sister and brother-in-law Helen (George) Kurmel; brother Lad Janicek; nieces Janet Kurmel and Susan Hovey.  She is survived by nephews Thom (Sandy) Kurmel, Larry Janicek, Dan (Colleen) Kurmel, and Lee (Patrice) Janicek; nieces Judy (nee Janicek) Hackworth and Jeanne (Michael) Jackson; special family Todd (Pam) Hovey; several great nieces and nephews, and numerous other family and faithful friends.