Walter N. Adam

The important lessons we learned as he led us by example; a strong father that taught us hard work and perseverance, his silent though obvious pride in all of us, his courage and bravery in good times and in bad ~ for these things, we love him and thank him.

Walter N. Adam, 87, husband, father, grandpa, formerly of rural Batavia and currently of Fairfield, died February 26, 2007 at Jefferson County Hospital in the presence of 12 of his children and his devoted wife, Mary Catherine Pacha Adam, who loved and cared for him for 62 years (married February 6, 1945)

Born on May 15, 1919 in Keokuk County to William and Christina (Greiner) Adam, he was the oldest son in a family of 11. He served his country in the United States Army during World War II in the South Pacific from 1942-1945. Returning home to rural Richland, he began a career in farming. He later moved to rural Batavia where he and Mary Catherine farmed and raised their family of 13 children. Moving to Fairfield in 1974, Walter spent the next 25 years in retirement.

He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, a member of the Knights of Columbus and a past member of Batavia Lions. Perhaps he will be remembered most by all for his feisty card playing skills and his boastful attitude when he won! The stories he shared about his war experiences and growing up will be the most endearing memories for his children and grandchildren.

Surviving are eight daughters and four sons: Maxine (Dale) Martin of Kirksville, MO, Janice (Steve) Durflinger, Nick (Tena) Adam, Cindy (Martin) Rupe, all of Batavia, IA, Carol (Steve) Murphy of Iowa City, IA, Fred (Christy) Adam of St. Louis, MO, Ed (Christina) Adam of Flat Rock, NC, Mary Ann (Joe) Ledger, Jane (Ernie) Ragen, Tom (Marni) Adam, all of Fairfield, IA, Colleen (Nick) Biggs of Ottumwa, IA, and Barbara Adam of Keosauqua, IA; 31 grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren.

Survivors include brothers Richard and Ronald Adam of Fairfield, IA, and sisters Eleanor Sobaski and Isabelle Leppert of Richland, Jeanette French of Rockford, IL, and Francine Freeman of Tiffin, IA.

He was preceded in death by one son, Steven, his parents, brothers Omer and Donald, and sisters Lucille Adrian and Marian Hammes.

Behner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be sent via www.behnerfh.com

Funeral services were held at 10:00 AM, Friday, March 2, 2007 at St. Mary's. Interment was in Eldon Cemetery in Eldon, IA.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary's Building Fund, or to the Adam family, which will be given to various local charities.

Cards and memorials may be sent c/o:
503 S. 33rd Street
Fairfield, IA 52556