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Adam Briesemeister Obituary

Briesemeister, Adam Herman Age 25, died on March 21, 2012 in Minneapolis in an early morning fire trying to get his roommates out of a burning house. Adam was born May 14, 1986 in Racine, WI. Adam lived in various parts of the country, Lindenhurst, IL; Littleton, CO; Germantown, TN where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boys Scouts of America and graduated from Houston High School; Oshkosh, WI where he graduated cum laude from UW-Oshkosh with degrees in English and Theatre. He moved to Minneapolis in 2008 as an actor for Climb Theatre. Adam is survived by his partner, Erin Donald of Minneapolis, MN; parents, Wayne and Cindy Briesemeister of Kenosha, WI; brother, Scott of Milwaukee, WI; grandfather Mark Neuman of Milwaukee, WI. Adam became involved in the Minneapolis community as a substitute teacher, local theatre actor and community activist. His theatre appearances in Minneapolis included Hamlet and Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead for Theatre in the Round; A Klingon Christmas Carol for Commedia Beauregard; You Should Be So Lucky for Brazen Theatre; Proof for Coin Purse Theatre in St. Paul; A Midsummer Night's Dream for Ronin Theatre; Biloxi Blues for Theatre Or at the Minneapolis Jewish Community Center; Cigarettes for Jesus at the Fringe Festival. Adam also contributed in a number of short films, television commercials, and audiobooks. He was deeply passionate about many world-bettering projects including the Really Really Free Market, the Twin Cities Anarchist Bookfair, Shut Down Rise Up, OccupyMN, the IWW, Arise! Infoshop, Boneshaker Books, Zines for Prisoners, demos against prisons, community-based alternatives to policing, among others. Adam was talented, kind hearted, easy going, and full of life. A teacher, activist and friend, he carried a new world in his heart and the memory of the compassionate person he was will carry on. A celebration of his life will be at 3:00 PM Saturday, March 24, 2012 at Powderhorn Park in Minneapolis. There will also be a memorial celebration from 5 to 8 PM Thursday, March 29, 2012, at Best Western Plus Milwaukee Airport Hotel & Convention Center in Milwaukee, WI to gather as friends and family to celebrate him together. Bring your favorite memories, stories and photos of Adam. We ask that instead of flowers like a traditional service, (Adam hated cut flowers, he thought they were a waste) if you would like to send the family anything to express your condolences you may donate books to your local library or any programs that provide books to anyone in need in Adam's name. You may also send the books to the family and they will donate them accordingly. Adam loved books and this goes along with his philosophy of giving to those around him before himself. Adam will always be remembered as a beautiful, giving, loving human.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel from Mar. 23 to Mar. 25, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Adam Briesemeister

Sponsored by Jonathan Weizel.

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Debra Major

March 17, 2023

Never forgotten,a sweet,kind,wonderful guy,gone way too soon.I love you Adam.

July 13, 2016

claudia callahan

October 18, 2013

I saw the picture of your 2 Eagle Scouts in Eagles' Call magazine. I am so very sorry for your loss and hold each of you close to my heart. Peace be with you, Claudia Callahan

October 18, 2013

Hello! I just saw your sons' picture in the latest Eagle magazine. I am so sorry for your loss and hold each of you close to my heart. What a remarkable young man he was; leaving a mark in this world that is indelible. Peace and love, Claudia Callahan

Dad

March 21, 2013

"When you are sorrowful, look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight."
~ Kahlil Gibran

Tammy Briesemeister

March 4, 2013

Sorry to hear about your loss.

December 25, 2012

Wayne Briesemeister

December 25, 2012

Our first Christmas without Adam has brought us so many unfathomable emotions unknown to us during this time of year. The presence of his absence is everywhere. While we feel the emptiness and lonliness, we feel that we are not alone. We are so honored that folks like you continue to hold Adam in your thoughts.

debra major

June 2, 2012

My family and I are extremely saddened.Iam so grateful he went to Europe to study and explore with my daughter Lynsey.They had some happy memories we will never forget.Heaven has another angel we all will miss. Debra Major, Germantown,Tn.

June 1, 2012

Although I did not know Adam I am extending my sympathy and a grateful thank you from the Milwaukee Public Library for the wonderful gift of books given in his memory. With his name in the fly leaf of the books he will be remembered for years to come. Friends of Milwaukee Libraries.

Joanne Nie

March 27, 2012

Cindy and Wayne,

My deepest condolence for your tragic loss. Adam is a reflection of the value you raised him in. You raised him very well. He followed his heart living his life. May God, family and friends help you through this difficult time.

Megan Link

March 27, 2012

Some times you meet some one and know that he is a Kindred spirit. He was an amazing student, actor and talent. He had a genuine love of life. It spread in and through everything he did. I was honored to know him. My thoughts and heart go out to his friends, family and urban family.

How amazing our lives were to have Adam in them.

Pamela Gemin

March 26, 2012

I had the honor to have Adam among my students at UW Oshkosh. As I mourn this great loss I recall Adam so clearly--his sparkle, his great writing, his energy, wit and talent. To his family: he spoke of you often, wrote of you affectionately, and loved you very much.

March 26, 2012

From my family to yours, my deepest symphathies on the loss of Adam. I did not know Adam, but it sounds like he was a wonderful young man that eveloped life surrounded by loving family and friends-giving everything that he had.

Cherish the memories that will never be forgotten, but only conjured up during discussions filled with laughter and smiles I am sure.

May the good Lord watch over the family as you walk this journey and may he hold Adam in the palm of his hand.

God Bless,

Brad & Ellen, Sydney & Lyndsey Gulbrandson

Scott and Karen Arves

March 26, 2012

"There is no greater love than this: that a man lay down his life for his friends." Jesus had men like Adam in mind when he said this. My thoughts and prayers are with family, I am sure you are deeply sad but incredibly proud of Adam. God bless,

Kira Downey

March 25, 2012

Rest in peace, Adam Briesemeister. You were truly an admrable fellow activist and a lovely person to be around. Your passionate contributions to the movement for freedom, justice, and equality in the world will not be forgotten. You've touched many lives, many whom you do not even know personally. Condolences to your family and friends.

Luke Kalteux

March 25, 2012

Adam and I crossed paths on many different creative projects during our mutual time at UW-Oshkosh. He was an extremely gracious, kind, and warm human being with a patience and grace for acting that is rarely found today. The world will be aching without his charm, work, and sensibilities in it.

Vasilios Emmanuel Glimidakis

March 24, 2012

In memory of Adam Herman Briesemeister
A true and faithful man who gave his life saving others and the thing he loved to do on March 21, 2012 in this location. God Alone Understands.

Dear Briesemeister and other families,
I am sorry for your loss. His last name means Silver Birch Master (or Master of the Silver Birch) in German. God bless him and his family.

March 24, 2012

Our deepest sympathy to your family. We have you all in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. We are not surprised that Adam gave of himself to help others....his kind heart, his family values and his journey to Eagle all helped him become who he was. So many people are mourning his loss but it is evident that Adam's spirit will continue to thrive in all the lives of the people he touched and made an impact on. In his short life, he accomplished more and enjoyed life more than most. He was truly a special gift.
God Bless,
The Mahoney Family

We were the cast of Cowboy Bepob. See You Space Cowboy.

Krissie Peake Schmidt

March 23, 2012

I know it had been years since we spoke, and I'm sorry. It still doesn't feel like you're gone. I loved you like a brother even after all these years. You never forget how a person makes you feel, and you always made me feel special. I still have pictures of you in a dress and from plays we did together, from anime conventions and I tried to find them all but I don't even know why I was looking for them, it isn't like pictures will bring you back. You had a strong soul, and you went out the way people dream of going out. You went out as a hero. So appropriate for you. I cried. I thought of all the things I wish I had said, but hopefully you know them now. You're forever a great person. I know the world feels this great loss. Go in peace. If there is something greater than resting in peace, rest that way. I know if I keep your memories alive, you'll never truly die. I hope you know, you were loved.

Adam Linkon

March 23, 2012

Adam was my first real friend and one of my strongest memories from my chaotic elementary years. I wouldn't be the man I am today without him. My heart goes out to his family and those still close to him at the end.

Kimberly (Palmer) Mueller

March 23, 2012

I'm not sure how to express with words what a tragedy this is. Adam was an amazing person who made the amazing come out in others as well. I never knew him to be uncharitable or unkind to any other being. He will be missed and remembered by so many he touched. My thoughts are with all of his family and friends.

Jobe

March 23, 2012

I sat and stared at this little box; and no words came. I'm not sure they will. My condolences.

Eric Strelitzer

March 23, 2012

Adam was a great actor, a genuinely nice human being, and a hero. I cherish the time I got to spend with him, creating the art I love with a man who added his own touches to that art. My condolences to his family and friends for such a tragic and early loss. Goodbye, "Tony/Caleb".

Dawn Sehmer

March 23, 2012

I cannot find the words... God Bless and help you all through this- Love you all-

Jason Paschall

March 23, 2012

Adam was passionate about creating a better world. His leadership, integrity and selflessness leaves a tremendous void in our community. Although, his passing is shocking and sorrowful, he accomplished so much to be proud of. It was a privilege to know him.

Jaimelyn Gray

March 23, 2012

My heart aches for such a loss. All of us that shared time with Adam onstage at UWO will never forget his contribution to our lives and memories. Adam, you will be sorely missed.

Don Sweet

March 23, 2012

I knew Adam through theater. (I'm a composer.) Adam's acting made my music sound so much better! I will miss him. It doesn't surprise me that he died a hero.

Rick Pfitzinger

March 23, 2012

I am so sorry to hear about your tragic loss.

Denny Sehmer

March 23, 2012

Wayne, Cindy and family,
My deepest sympathy to you all for the loss of your son, a true hero and a wonderful guy. May God bless you all and give you comfort and strength.

Doug Hepner

March 23, 2012

Wayne, Cindy, & Scott
My thoughts and prayers go out to you. I am shocked and saddended with this news. We (Ross and I) have very fond memories of the years in scouting with Adam and Scott.
Again, my deepest condolences. May God bless your entire family.

Doug Hepner, & Ross

March 23, 2012

Heard about his death, I am also an actor in Mpls. My condolences.

victor ray

March 23, 2012

Cindy and Wayne, My heart goes out to you and your family for your loss. Our prayers are with you. May God receive his new angel into His arms.
Victor Ray (Milwaukee)

Vern Fuller

March 23, 2012

We are so very sorry to hear of the sudden loss of your beloved son Adam.
Our thoughts are with all of you at this difficult time.
Mr and Mrs. Vern and Maureen Fuller (Shannon's parents)

Audrey Jampole

March 23, 2012

Uncle Mark,Cindy,Wayne,Scott and Erin;
Words cannot express our feelings for
your loss of Adam. Our prayers and sympathy are with you.

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