James W. Adams

James W. Adams, 94, Lake Mills, was ushered into heaven Saturday, April 15, 2017. He passed away at Mercy Medical Center North Iowa, Mason City, surrounded by his family. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, April 20, at Emmons Lutheran Church, Emmons, Minn., with Pastor Christopher Martin officiating. Burial will be in Oak Lawn Cemetery, rural Emmons. Visitation will be today (Wednesday), April 19, from 5-8 p.m. at Mittelstadt Funeral Home, Lake Mills, and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Emmons Lutheran Church or the charity of your choice.
James Wallace Adams was born Oct. 3, 1922 in Worth County, to parents Corbet and Sarah (Bye) Adams. He was baptized Dec. 10, 1922 at Lime Creek Church and was confirmed in 1937 at Salem Lutheran Church.  James attended Bristol #3 country school and attended high school in Lake Mills.
On Nov. 17, 1946 James and Maevis Sorbo were united in marriage at Emmons Lutheran Church and made their home farming northeast of Lake Mills. They were blessed with six children.  Maevis passed away unexpectedly Feb. 27, 1999.
James was married to Norma Singelstad Amundson, Sept. 14, 2001, at First Lutheran Church, Milford. They enjoyed over 15 blessed years together.
Faith, family and farming were the cornerstones of James’ life.  He faithfully served his church and his community on various boards, was a faithful member of the Sons of Norway, and always looked forward to working at the annual church lutefisk dinner.
James was so very proud of his family and was a wonderful caretaker to his siblings when his help was needed.  He was well-known for his great ability to tell stories about his life experiences.
Farming was James’ passion.  He took great pride in his farm and the crops he raised. The grandchildren, nieces and nephews loved coming to the farm to experience farm life. In later years, his farm was scaled-down to a backyard garden in town. He enjoyed sharing his fruits of labor with family and friends.
He will be remembered for being a hard worker and was a stranger to no one. He had an infectious laugh, mischievous smile, and a twinkle in his eye.
Survivors include his wife Norma Adams, Lake Mills; six children: Sharon (Harlan) Betz, Castle Rock, Colo.; Kathy (Harold) Estes, Northwood; Shirley Hanson, Huntley, Ill.; Janice Cordell, Decorah; Jerry Adams, Lake Mills; and Bev (Tim) Nappe, Milford; 13 grandchildren: Joshua (Jill) Betz, Sarah (Mark) Loeffler, Julie (Chris) Carlson, Brian (Courtney) Hanson, Shannon (Chris) Green, Rebecca (Lisa) Moody, David (Mika Petersen) Gerber, Sheryl (Chris) McCammon, Jessica Adams, Andrew Adams, Matthew (Margaret) Nappe, Jenny (Gabe Hoover) Nappe, and Rachel Nappe; 26 great-grandchildren; a great-great-granddaughter, expected in May; brother, Don Adams Lake Mills; brothers- and sisters-in-law: Howard Hareid, Myra Richardson, Orva Sorensen, Sidney (Betty) Sorbo, Helen DeLooper, and Kari Singelstad; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
James was preceded in death by his parents, Corbet and Sarah; first wife, Maevis; sisters: Eva Hareid, Carma Adams, Cora Rice and Blanche Hareid; brothers- and sisters-in-law: Louis Hareid, LaVonne Adams, Ron Richardson, Blanche Haried, Eva (Louis) Haried, Norlan (Marge) Sorbo, Phillip Sorensen, Martha (Charles) Flugum, Hans Singelstad, Bertha (Norman) Eide, Raymond (Oma Lee) Singelstad, Norman DeLooper, and Alfred Singelstad.

Lake Mills Graphic

204 N. Mill Street
Lake Mills, IA 50450

Office Number: (641) 592-4222
Fax Number: (641) 592-6397

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