William "Bill" Adams

The memorial service celebrating the life of William “Bill” Adams of Wadena will be held at 11:00a.m. on Saturday, March 22, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wadena with Pastor Nate Loer presiding. Visitation will be held on Friday from 4:00 until 7:00p.m. at the Johnson-Schuller Chapel in Wadena. Visitation will resume at the church on Saturday from 9:30a.m. until the time of the service. Burial accompanied by bagpipes will be in Wadena Cemetery, Wadena, MN. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ You may view the livestream by going to: www.youtube.com/@ILCWadena or https://www.facebook.com/immanuelwadena ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Having faced a challenging struggle with cancer, Bill, 86, passed away at his home in Wadena, MN, on March 12, 2025. Tender care was provided by his family, Kim and Jim Maas, and Vivie Hospice. William “Bill” Frederick Adams was born to Lloyd and Reeva (Wiltse) Adams on June 10, 1938, in Moorhead, MN. After graduating from high school, he continued his education at Moorhead State College to attain a degree in education. Sixteen years later he received a master’s degree from NDSU. Bill married Sylvia “Sally” Karen Westrum on March 21, 1959, at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Moorhead. They made their home in Wadena where he taught Business English, typing, and photography at Wadena High School, eventually becoming the assistant principal. He also refereed football and volleyball and served 50 years as a State High School League Official. With golf as his #1 hobby, Bill proudly made not just one hole-in-one, but five! He fulfilled his lifetime dream of playing “The Old Course at St Andrews’ in Scotland and the Augusta National where The Masters is played yearly in Georgia. Community minded, Bill had served in the ND National Guard, and was a member of the Elks Lodge, Lions Club, Whitetail Run Golf Course (manager 37 yrs), and the Immanuel Lutheran Church choir. Over the years, he and Sally sang for numerous weddings and funerals. Preceding Bill in death were his parents Lloyd and Reeva; and parents-in-law, Lloyd and Gladys Westrum. Surviving Bill are his loving wife, Sally; son Todd (Sherry) Adams of Augusta, GA, and Tracy (Peter) Kooman of Independence, MN; grandchildren, Allie Adams and Wesley Adams; step-grandchildren Brian Kooman, Jeanine (Anton) Miakotin and Kristin (Kolten) Tea; brother Terry Adams of Long Lake; along with a host of friends and his beloved cat Aero. Honorary urn bearers will be Lowell Roisum, Tony Platz, Luther Nervig, Lane Waldahl, Gordy Macklem, Steve Brown and Tim Seaton. Serving as urn bearer will be Allie Adams and Wesley Adams. Memorials in Bill‘s name may be directed to Immanuel Lutheran Church, 403 2nd Street SE, Wadena, MN 56482.

William "Bill" Adams

June 10, 1938 - March 12, 2025