John Adams
April 2, 1922 ~ September 26, 2015
John Adams age 93 of Waucoma, died Saturday, September 26, 2015 at Mercy Medical Center in New Hampton.
Funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 2, 2015 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Waucoma with Rev. Nick March celebrating the Mass. The pall will be placed by John's eleven children and his wife Norma. Lectors for the service are John Adams, Gerry Garles and Edna Stahley. Presenting the offertory gifts will be Kole Adams, Vivian Searcy, Sara Adams, Mia Buckendahl and Annie Adams.
Interment will be held at St. Mary's Cemetery, Waucoma Charlie Brannon, Eddie Brannon, Robert Adams, Paul Adams, Scott Searcy, Karl Curry, Sam Garles and Nathan Adams will serve as pallbearers. Military rights will be conducted by the Waucoma American Legion Post #189 as well as members of the U.S. Marine Corps.
Friends may greet the family from 3 - 8 p.m. on Thursday, October 1, 2015 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Waucoma, where there will be a 2:50 p.m. Rosary and a 8:00 p.m. Parish Scripture Service. Visitation continues one hour prior to the Mass on Friday.
John “Jack” Adams was born April 2, 1922 in Eden Township near Waucoma, the son of William and Maude (Baskerville) Adams. In his younger years, John had a trickster spirit and had a magnificent sense of humor. Jack, as he was known, graduated from the Waucoma Public High School in 1939 and from Iowa State College in 1946. He joined the United States Marine Corps as a reservist on March 6, 1942 and was discharged as a Private First Class in November 1945, he served as a combat infantryman in a rifle company in the pacific THEATRE INVOLVED IN The Battle of Iwo Jima.
Jack married the love of his life, Norma Tomasek, on August 20, 1947. The couple met years prior when they were in high school band together. He was active in his adopted church and served in different capacities on several different boards. He worked and lived for his family and was proud of all of them. He was always a man of strong faith and integrity. He had great values and always said that his word was his bond and he expected no less from his children.
Jack is survived by his wife, Norma; eleven children, Bill (Nita Kuboushek) Adams of Spillville, IA, Kathleen (Edward) Curry of McHenry, IL, Rebecca Searcy of Decorah, IA, Samuel (Bonnie Benz) Adams of Spillville, IA, Gerry Garles of Fairfield, IA, John (Diana Knittle) Adams of Lorton, VA, Scott (Jeanie Busta) Adams of Waucoma, IA, Bruce (Lolita Kuboushek) Adams of Waucoma, IA, Jim (Julie White) Adams of Missouri Valley, IA, Jeff (Judy Zoulek) Adams of Spillville, IA, Edna (Albert) Stahley of Waucoma, IA; 30 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren with one more on the way; one sister, Roberta Brannon of New Hampton; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother Ralph W. Adams; two grandchildren, Angel Adams and William Adams.
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Our deepest sympathy to the family at the loss of your dad. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
All of you, Jack’s family members, are in my thoughts and prayers today and in the days ahead. It was a privilege to be with your family. Sister Vicky Arndorfer Chaplain Mercy Medical Center, New Hampton
Jack was always a sweet gentle man, he will be missed Robert and Mary Rausch
We’re told that ‘in heaven there is not beer,’ but there might be discussions about politics, and if there are, Jack will be leading them, I’m sure. We all mourn his passing, but he will certainly live in our memories and hearts. A father, a distinguished veteran, and someone who was vitally interested in politics and the community and the world. So, here are a couple quotes I found, both I thought are appropriate for this occasion— ‘Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.’ ‘When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice.’ —Cherokee Expression
932 Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, Scott AFB, IL purchased the Florist Choice Bouquet for the family of John Adams.
Arrive in Style was purchased for the family of John Adams.
Country Basket Blooms was purchased for the family of John Adams.
Dennis, Mary & Ryan Buckendahl lit a candle in memory of John Adams
Our sincere sympathy to the entire Adams family. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Dennis, Mary & Ryan Buckendahl
Florist Choice Bouquet was purchased for the family of John Adams.
Linda, Rama and Maria Bagwandeen purchased the Enchanted Cottage for the family of John Adams.
Enchanted Cottage was purchased for the family of John Adams.
Delta Flight 51st SFS purchased the Beautiful in Blue for the family of John Adams.
Secret Garden Basket was purchased for the family of John Adams.
So sorry to hear about the passing of Jack, our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time, Jack was an inspiration to all his family and everyone that knew him. We met Jack and Norma, back in October 2008, when our daughter Katrina married his grandson Ben. Jack and Norma were kind enough to have us stay with them for the two weeks we were out there, we were made to feel part of the family from day one, and everyone welcomed us with open arms, this we have never forgotten. Jack kept us enthralled whilst we were there with stories of his life, and seemed passionate about politics. We received many letters off him keeping us informed on what was going on in Iowa. Jack was an amazing kind and gentle man, who will be greatly missed, but his legacy will go on through all this children, grand-children and great- grand children. So on Friday we will raise a glass and toast this amazing man. Linda and Rama United Kingdom
Ann Crum Broich purchased the Full Of Love Bouquet for the family of John Adams.
Budd and Connie Callman purchased the Joyful Memory for the family of John Adams.
Rob, Deb, and family purchased the Beautiful in Blue for the family of John Adams.
MARGE & DAVE MAYO lit a candle in memory of John Adams
OUR PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE ADAMS FAMILY AT THE LOSS OF THERE LOVED ONE JOHN. MARGE & DAVE MAYO 1080 KELLY DR. NASHVILLE N.C. 27856
Love Donna and Frank purchased the Divine Peace Bouquet for the family of John Adams.
Sweetest Sunrise Bouquet was purchased for the family of John Adams.
‘You can shed tears that he is gone, or you can smile because he has lived. You can close your eyes and pray that he’ll come back, or you can open your eyes and see all he’s left. Your heart can be empty because you can’t see him, or you can be full of the love you shared. You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday, or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday. You can remember him only that he is gone, or you can cherish his memory and let it live on. You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back. Or you can do what he’d want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.’ David Harkins Prayers to the entire Adams’ family Jack was a kind hearted soul who has created and left an amazing legacy of family. As you all carry on his enthusiasm for life and friendship to all you meet may the love and memories you cherish help you through the days ahead.
Peaceful White Lilies Basket was purchased for the family of John Adams.
For my friend, Becky, and all her family, my deepest condolences. My third graders said a prayer for John Adams–it was a made up prayer–from the one time I had the privilege of meeting him. We asked that God welcome this good man into heaven. We remembered that he was a man who lived a long life, had 11 children, lots of grandchildren and great grandchildren, that he said what he meant, and meant what he said, and that he loved his family above all. Truly a man of honor. May God bless all of you especially during this time, now and forever more. Mary Ann Krammen and her Third Graders
Sentiments of Serenity Spray was purchased for the family of John Adams.
Grandpa Jack was one amazing man…so filled with love for life, family, God and his country. He taught us to be truthful, to love unconditionally and keep an open door for all. Grandpa left a footprint on my heart and many others. We will dearly miss him. We love you, Grandpa! OXOXOXOX Christine (Curry) and Steve Cliff
Our deepest sympathies on your father’s passing. He always had that look in his eye, the smile and a pleasant conversation to follow. Sat next to him many times at mass or at school events. If a person’s legacy is his family, Jack and Norma have left a great one! Our thoughts and prayers are with you also. Don and Kim Blazek
Our deepest sympathy to the Adam’s family. Always had a fun time when I would visit Becky and Jack would get the horses ready for us and joke around. A very kind man and you would never forget that smile of his. Tom and Judy (Korzendorfer) Canfield
My condolences to the entire family, especially my classmates, John and Gerry. From Ron Donn’s message it sounds like he was a great man who obviously gave much to others.
My condolences to Jack’s family. It was a privilege to have taken care of him.
Our Deepest Sympathy goes to Norma and entire family, Prayers and Thoughts are with you all during this time of Loss of Loved One! Jack Meissen, Lyn and Chris Bruns
I was so sorry to hear of Jacks passing. He was an amazing gentleman. He will be missed by so many. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Jack Adams. I became a friend of Jack in 1965-64 when is oldest son Bill was a senior at Turkey Valley. I was privileged to have been Principal while all of his children went through Turkey Valley and Edna was the last in 1981. Since moving to Decorah I have received very interesting, intelligent letters from Jack covering a variety of subjects and I always replied to those letters. Jack spent many years coming to school and speaking to sixth grade students about World War II, but I know he would never have boasted about being a survivor of Iwo Jima. There are two specific things he said to me that I remember well. Several years ago, Shirley and I attended church at St. Mary’s in Waucoma. When Mass was over I said ‘Jack how are you’, he replied. I don’t know how I could be any better. In one of his letters he told me that he knew my job was a difficult one dealing with all those students during my twenty eight years there. He was a good man that lived a long life and will be missed. Ron and Shirley Donn
With sympathy to Norma, and the family. Old neighbors. Ken and Elaine Korzendorfer Wurzer
My sympathy to the Adam’s family. Jack was a kind soul. He and Norma raised a great family together. Mary (Schmitt) Bouska
My deepest sympathy to the Adams family, who were on the bus to and from school every day from 1968 – 1972. Jack & Norma raised one heck of a family… Deepest sympathy to classmates John & Gerry. Duane Hackman
Heartfelt sympathy to the Adams Family, especially classmates Gerry & John. I’m sure your dad was so proud that his kids all have his great sense of humor and values. Norma Speltz Creighton
Thinking about your entire family. He was a terrific man!
My deepest sympathy to Norma and all the family, I can not begin to count all the hours I have spent in the home of Jack Adams. Primarily it was in the kitchen where the action was, and graced with Norma’s great cooking! Jack was a paternal figure to many kids outside his family. He even rescued Johnny and Gerry’s classmates out of road ditches on cold, snowy winter nights. He was loved by many and a huge loss to everyone who knew him.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to the entire Adams family during this difficult time. Kevin & Margie Nienhaus
After reading the tributes, it is easy to see why John, Gerry, and Scott were the open, kind, and loving people they were to me in high school. You were blessed with a wonderful father, and you learned well at his feet. I wish you all peace.
You are a very bright individual!