Fred Adam

Funeral Services for Fredrich H. "Fred" Adam will be held on Friday, December 27, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church in Wilcox, Nebraska with Reverend Nathan Abel officiating.  Interment will be held in the Wilcox Cemetery following the services with military honors provided by the Wilcox American Legion Post #377 in conjunction with the United States Navy Funeral Honors Team.

Fredrich Herman Adam, 84 years of age, of rural Wilcox, passed away on Sunday, December 22, 2019 at Holdrege Memorial Homes.  Fred was born on August 18, 1935, at the family farm ten miles south of Wilcox in Franklin County, Nebraska, the youngest of four sons to Walter and Marie (Frerichs) Adam.  Fred was baptized on September 8, 1935, and confirmed on April 2, 1950, both at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in the Ash Grove Township.

Fred attended school through the 8 ^th grade at District #50, Pleasant View School, and then attended Wilcox High School, graduating as salutatorian with the class of 1953.  He also developed his lifelong passion for leadership in agriculture through the Wilcox FFA Chapter, serving as President his senior year.

On January 16, 1954, he was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Marian Jeanette Samuelson, at her parent's home in Wilcox.  To this union three children were born:  Lynn, Pamela & Rhonda.  On October 14, 1955, Fred was inducted into the United States Navy, and was stationed in New York; Rhode Island; and Florida.  He was part of the inaugural crew of the USS Saratoga CVA 60, and was very proud of his Plank Owner Certificate.  He was honorably discharged on September 22, 1957, and then continued to serve in Reserve capacity until October 13, 1961.

After returning from the Navy, Fred & Marian made their home at the family farm south of Wilcox.  Upon the closure of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church the family transferred their membership to the St. John's Lutheran Church in Wilcox, where Fred has been an active member serving as Elder and also served a term as Chairman of the Congregation.

Fred's passion for Paint Horses grew and developed into a lifetime of service to the breed.  Fred was active in the Paint Horse industry as a Breeder, Showman, Judge & many leadership roles.  All three of Fred and Marian's children also showed Paint Horses.  Fred was also a leader of a local 4-H group for over 20 years.  In addition, he served several terms as President of the Nebraska Paint Horse Club; one term as President of the High Plains Paint Horse Club; and one term as President of the American Paint Horse Association.  In addition to raising many Champions, Fred had two horses:  Bar Mount and Chicka Mount that achieved the highest honor of Supreme Champion.

In 2012, Fred and Marian were inducted into the inaugural class of the APHA Hall of Fame on the 50 ^th Anniversary of the APHA.  Into his eighties, Fred enjoyed showing his last horse; I'm a Cool Style (Cool).

Fred loved sports, while in high school he was known locally as "Freddy the Throw" on the football team.  As an adult, he enjoyed playing fast pitch softball.  Once his son, Lynn, was old enough he became Fred's catcher.  Even late in life, Fred still enjoyed watching and talking about sports.

Besides his parents, Fred was preceded in death by his grandson, Joseph Benton; his brothers:  Elmer Adam and wife, Velma; William Adam and wife, Ruth; and Robert Adam; sisters-in-law:  Maxine Peterson; Marjorie Melbye and husband, Ronald; and Margaret Steinmark and husband, Carle.

Fred leaves to celebrate his life: his wife of 65 years, Marian Adam of rural Wilcox; his three children:  Lynn Adam and wife, Susan of rural Elm Creek, Nebraska; Pamela Adam of Kailua, Hawaii; Rhonda Nyquist and husband, Stuart of Kansas City, Missouri.  He also leaves eight grandchildren:  Shannon Adam and partner, Tom Schrock and her sons:  Noah and Aden of Holdrege; Lyndsey Bilka and husband, Joe and children:  Averi, Hadli, and Gabe of Holdrege; Teri Hand and husband, Ryan and son, Max of Grand Island, Nebraska; Alex Christine Nyquist of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Erin Nyquist of Kansas City; Luke Nyquist of Kansas City; Adam Benton and wife, Lehualokelauli'i and son, Kylar of Kailua; and Grace Benton of Kailua; one sister-in-law, Delores Adam of Holdrege; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 26, 2019, from 4:00 p.m.  – 8:00 p.m. with the family greeting from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the Bauer-Torrey & Mach Funeral Home in Wilcox.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

A memorial has been established in Fred's honor, and kindly suggested to St. John's Lutheran Church in Wilcox or the American Heart Association.

The Bauer-Torrey & Mach Funeral Home in Wilcox is in charge of the arrangements.