Wendell Newell Adams

Wendell N. Adams, 95 of Devils Lake formerly of Starkweather, ND died on Sunday evening, November 16, 2008 at the Good Samaritan Center in the loving care of his family and Hospice. Mass of Christian Burial for Wendell will be held on Thursday, November 20, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake. Fr. Dale Kinzler will celebrate the Mass and burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation for Wendell will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Wednesday from 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m. The Rosary will be led by the Knights of Columbus. Visitation on Thursday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral Mass. Casket Bearers for Wendell will be William Adams, Dale Adams, Cliff Adams, Jon Johnson, Stephen Vetter and J.R. Johnson. Reading the Sacred Scriptures will be Shary Johnson Bearers of the Eucharistic Gifts will be granddaughters, Kari Pittenger, Denise Vetter, Nicole Hamler, Terri Anuszewski and Wendee Llewellyn. Music will be provided by Cathy Anfinson, soloist Wendell Newell Adams was born on July 25, 1913, the son of Fred and Florence (Arnold) Adams in Eagle Bend, Minnesota, in Todd County where he was reared and educated. Wendell came to North Dakota and worked as a farm laborer for Chris Berg. Here he met the love of his life, and he and Leonarda “Dodie” L. Duft were united in marriage on July 22, 1933 in the Assumption of Mary Catholic Church in Starkweather. This was a love that would last for over 75 years. After their marriage, they moved to Devils Lake and then to Minnesota for a time, returning to North Dakota in 1944. Wendell worked for a time at Fjalstad and Johnson Contractors as a carpenter but his life was that of a farmer. In 1945, they purchased the Duft homestead, rural Starkweather and here they worked side by side and raised their family through the years. They retired in 1975 and moved to Devils Lake where they have since made their home. Wendell moved to the Good Samaritan Center in January of 2007. Wendell was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, Eagles Lodge and also served as a clerk for the Sullivan Township School for a number of years. Wendell would be the first to say he truly loved his life of 95 years. His love for family and friends was evident in everything he did. He was a not for profit taxi for anyone who needed him. He had such a kind and generous heart and never said “No” to anyone in need. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was very wise. He was the first to say “I am a jack of all trades and a master of none.” He also had his own wisdom to share with his children-“If you feel like crying, just whistle instead.” Of course no one could argue that logic. He was an artisan at wood working, was an avid reader and wonderful story-teller of the old times and also so knowledgeable of the history of this state and country. He was especially proud that he was a direct descendent to Presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams. Wendell and Dodie loved the outdoors and traveling together and as a family. If we had to sum up Wendell’s life in a few words, we would say he was a man of love of his faith, family and friends. Wendell is survived by his wife, Dodie of Devils Lake; Children: Dennis Adams and his wife, Dontee of Bismarck, ND Glenn Adams and his wife, Elly of Parkersburg, West Virginia Janice White and her husband, Frank of Las Vegas, Nevada Deanna Syverson and her husband, Ike of Minot, ND Sharon “Shary” Johnson and her husband, Gary of Cando, ND Daughter-In-Law: Hazel Adams of Colorado City, Colorado Sixteen Grandchildren Thirty-One Great Grandchildren Brother: Wayne Adams of Newman, California Several nieces, nephews and their families also survive. Wendell was preceded in death by his parents; son, Gordon; three granddaughters; sister, Lela Adams; brothers, Warren, Dwight and Willard Adams.