Obituary of William R. Undem

William R. "Bill" Undem was born on July 24, 1930 in the city of Steamboat Springs, Colorado. After living many years with a chronic lung disease, Bill passed away peacefully in the presence of close family on February 26, 2017 at the age of eighty-six. Bill Undem spent most of his childhood in Rock Springs, Wyoming. He received a college football scholarship, but enlisted in the United Sates Air Force before completing his degree. In 1953, while stationed in Long Beach, California, Bill met and married Ruth "Jean" Bandy. After his honorable discharge from the Air Force, Bill explored various fields of employment before making a career in the computer industry. Bill and Jean resided in Anaheim, welcoming a son, Richard, in 1956, and a daughter, April, in 1961. The Undems enjoyed living in a close-knit neighborhood of friends until Bill's job relocated the family to Scotts Valley in 1969. Bill continued to work in the computer industry, often traveling internationally to meet with clients. Living on a spacious property nestled in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains allowed Bill to cultivate gardens and fruit trees, as well as own horses. In his early years, Bill was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying fishing, hunting, horseback riding, and skiing. However, as his lung disease progressed, Bill adapted to his limitations, becoming a voracious reader. All who knew him admired Bill's strength, sense of humor, and work ethic. In 2011, after fifty-eight years of marriage, Bill's beloved wife, Jean, passed away. Bill's remaining years were spent reading, visiting with family, and maintaining his home. Bill is survived by his children, Richard Undem and April Morelli; his grandchildren, Emily Kazim and Samuel Morelli; and numerous extended family members. He was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed. A memorial service for friends and family will be held on the afternoon of Saturday, April 8th.