Fennimore – Kenneth J. Adams, age 82, died on Wed. Feb. 5, 2014 at the Fennimore Good Samaritan Society in Fennimore. He was born on Dec. 19, 1931 in Elkader, IA the son of James and Kathryn (Gallagher) Adams. He married Betty Kneisel on Jan. 30, 1954 in Powhattan, KS.
Kenneth graduated from High School in Lamont, IA and then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where he served from Jan. 16, 1952 until being honorably discharged on Jan. 15, 1956. Kenny returned to work with his father on the family farm. Wanting a farm of his own, Kenny and Betty moved to Hickory Grove Township, rural Fennimore, where they began farming in 1960. Kenny also hauled milk for the Fennimore Cheese Factory and worked at the Fennimore Sale Barn. He farmed until 1970 and was hired by Rossing Construction for over 10 years as well as drove school bus for the Fennimore School District. Before retiring Kenny was employed with the Fennimore Street Department. During this time Kenny owned and operated “Kenny’s Outdoor Improvements”, which included landscaping and seal coating. He was an avid sports fan who enjoyed playing basketball, volleyball, and softball, and was one of Fennimore’s biggest sports fan. He also enjoyed the challenge of obtaining his pilot’s license and enjoyed flying. He was a passionate hunter and loved training his dogs for raccoon and bear hunting. He wouldn’t miss a good conversation with family, neighbors, and friends especially sitting down over a cup of coffee. He was an active member of St. Peter Lutheran Church where he held numerous church positions throughout his years. In addition, he was a member of the Fennimore American Legion, the Big Brother’s program, Fennimore Athletic Booster Club, and a past 4-H leader for the Ideal Hilltoppers. Kenny was truly a wonderful man who loved his family and friends. He made the best of each day and believed that hard work never hurt a man. His dedication to his family and friends will be deeply missed.
Kenneth is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Betty of Fennimore, four daughters; Janette (Andy) Kumar of Greenfield, WI, Patty (Joe) Linden of South Wayne, WI, Laura (Chris) Burkley of Ogdensburg, WI and Cathy Smith of Fennimore, WI, and eight grandchildren; Mary Bromwell, Michael Kumar, Eric and Andy Linden, Moira and Kellen Burkley, and Jillian and Matthew Smith. Kenneth is also survived by his siblings; Lyle (Ruth) Adams of Lamont, IA, Harlan (Virginia) Adams of Boxholm, IA, Delores (Pania) Gutierrez, Topeka, KS, Blair Adams of Mustang, OK, Bonnie (Gary) Hankins of Crowder, MS, Larry (Brenda) Adams of Amanna, IA, Lynn Adams of Altoona, IA, Keith (Isabel) Adams of Tecumseh, KS, Cheryl (Doug) Mason of Chippewa Falls, WI, Mark (Cathy) Adams of Palermo, CA, Chuck Tryon of Oelwein, IA, Becky Ellis of Oelwein, IA, and Deb (Tim) Schloss, of Strawberry Point, IA.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, stepmother Ruth Adams, grandson Jason Linden, stepbrother, Ted Tryon, sister-in-law Shala Adams, brother-in-law Steve Ellis, three nephews Matt Ellis and Clifford and Peter Tryon, and a great-nephew Seth Gentry.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Mon. Feb. 10, 2014 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Fennimore with Pastor Charles Miller officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in the Stitzer Lutheran Cemetery in Stitzer, WI. A visitation will be held from 4 – 8:00 P.M. on Sunday evening Feb. 9, 2014 at the Larson Family Funeral Home in Fennimore and from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service at the church on Monday morning. In lieu of plants and flowers, a memorial fund is being established in loving memory of Kenneth J. Adams.