Obituaries

To view the livestream of John's memorial service please click the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/@ryanfuneralhomemadison7477

The livestream will begin 10 minutes prior to the service.

John A. Adams was born on May 17, 1952, in Richland Center to Herbert J. Adams and Donna K. Adams (Mcky). He passed away peacefully from lymphoma cancer with his family by his side Friday, December 15, 2023.

The first years of his life were spent on the family farm in Eagle Corners, WI. When he was 4 years old the family moved to Madison, where he made his home from childhood to young adulthood; graduating from Madison East High School in ‘71.

He started his work experience at the Kroger Store on the square, the Heritage House, and Marshal Erdmans. Then he worked as brakeman/lineman for the Chicago NW Railroad before starting as a residential electrician for Prairie Electric in 1981. In 1983, he started his electrical apprenticeship with his home shop being H&H Electric. John worked as a journeyman electrician, retiring after 28 years in the field. He was a proud member of the electrical union local IBEW 159.

In 1978 he met Lynette (Kachel), and married on September 19, 1981. They bought their home in 1983 in Windsor, WI where they raised their three daughters. In 2005, they built a second home on family land on the Wisconsin River in Muscoda, where he spent many weekends thinking and tinkering.

John enjoyed the outdoors and spent time camping, fishing, and riding his Harley. He was blessed with the ability to fix just about anything: mechanical, electrical and small engines. He was overall a general Mr. Handyman. What he enjoyed most was woodworking and prided himself in making his own furniture among other projects. He could always be counted on to help his daughters with their cars and home repairs. He loved cats and doted on his kitties.

John struggled off and on with a mental illness in his adult life and also with alcoholism. He was proud to have been sober for the last 3 ½ years with the support of his AA group.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Lynette Adams, his daughters Lindsey (Matt) Iwanski, Megan Adams, Julie Adams, and his three grandchildren, Johanna, William and Alec Iwanski. He is further survived by his brother David (Holly) Adams and nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents Herbert and Donna and his sister Cathy Starr.

The family would like to express their gratitude for the support they received over the years from family and friends, especially the Windsor neighbors, as well as the Agrace Hospice caregivers these past few weeks, in particular Dawn and Krissy.

In lieu of flowers, please share a donation to PBS, Agrace Hospice, or the charity of your choice.

A visitation and memorial service will be held at Ryan Funeral Home, 6924 Lake Rd, DeForest, the visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to the time of service at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 28, 2023. A reception will follow at the DeForest Community Center with dinner from 5-7:30pm.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

Windsor/DeForest Chapel

6924 Lake Road

608-846-4250