Johnnie Adams

Funeral Service for Johnnie Adams was held on Wednesday, February 8, 2006 at the Ranney Funeral Chapel in Wheaton, Minnesota with Rev. Gordon Bock officiating. Special music was provided by John Nerenz. Visitation was held Wednesday from 1:00 P.M. until service time. Interment will take place in Wildwood Cemetery, Wheaton, Minnesota at a later date. John (Johnnie) Adolph Adams was born on August 19, 1914 in Aurora, Illinois. He was the son of John and Hattie (Gail) Adams. God received Johnnie to himself on February 5, 2006 at the Traverse Care Center in Wheaton, Minnesota at the age of 91 years old. Johnnie and his parents moved to the Wheaton area when Johnnie was an infant. Johnnie was the eldest of 8 children. He spent his younger years helping at home with his younger siblings and his parents. He was a very devoted son, caring for his parents into their elder years, up until their passing. Johnnie began his work career as a newspaper carrier, serving many customers in Wheaton. He and his dog walked the streets with a wagon delivering the papers. Johnnie worked hard at various jobs including; construction labor building roads, curb and gutter projects, and large building projects in the area. Johnnie helped with the White Rock Dam Project when the road was raised and rip-rapped. He made many trips to Chicago to drive automobiles back to Wheaton for local car dealers. Johnnie spent numerous years working for Myrtle Rittenour Rinke at the Standard Café and later for Wayne and Maggie Siegel at the same location. He peeled bushels of potatoes for the café and pumped thousands of gallons of gas at the gas station. He always greeted everyone with a smile. Johnnie was always noted for being a very hard worker. Johnnie was well known in the area, in his younger years, as being one of the best, if not the best, roller skater around. Johnnie even had lights on his roller skates which could be seen throughout the rink. He made a lot of trips to the Sioux Historic, near Ortonville, and to Wahpeton to enjoy a night of roller skating. Johnnie was also an excellent dancer in his younger years. Johnnie was well known in the area for the many miles he drove around town. His first cruise often started shortly after sunrise and the last cruise ending just before dusk. He enjoyed stopping at many local businesses during the day, always leaving with a smile. Johnnie enjoyed driving up to the age of 89 years. Up until the end of his driving, he was known to put on 1000 miles per month, just in the city limits of Wheaton. Johnnie was known for his life-long desire to give. People he knew will remember his various gifts. He enjoyed sharing candy and money with children. Johnnie had a large collection of teddy bears, numbering close to 100, some of which he gave away to the special people in his life. Johnnie enjoyed celebrating his 90th birthday with many special members of his family and numerous friends. He was overwhelmed by the number of folks who stopped to share cake and coffee with him. Johnnie was known by everyone in the community. Johnnie had many special friends throughout his life, many of whom he greatly missed after their passing. Johnnie lived in his home until two months before his 91st birthday. He enjoyed the assistance of the Home Care employees and Public Health nurses who made it possible for him to remain in his home until he entered the Traverse Care Center in July of 2005. There he was greeted by many familiar faces all of who did their best to help him feel at home and to care for his needs. Johnnie always appreciated even the least small favor anyone bestowed on him. He would also do whatever he could to help someone out. Johnnie is survived by three sisters: Doris (John) Connolley of Omaha, Nebraska, Laurel Jean (Paul) Reviere of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Phyllis (Earl) Wollan of Wheaton, Minnesota and four nieces and six nephews. Johnnie was preceded in death by four sisters: Lillian Saloudek, Lois Wilson, Adelene Lovely and Hazel Adams.