Photo courtesy of Reiff Funeral Home - Dyersville
Feb 16, 1987 - Feb 23, 2026
We were so sorry to hear about Bill's passing. We hadn't seen him in a while, but have fond memories of him. Lots of laughing and smiling! That's what Bill was about.
Jack & Cindy Colon
February 27, 2026 | Hiawatha, IA | Friend
My condolences to Karen and family on the loss of Bill. I had many good laughs with him.
Gina Gadient
February 27, 2026 | Cascade, IA | Coworker
Our deepest sympathy. Our prayers go out to all of you. Sharon (Schroeder) Grisanti
Sharon Grisanti
February 26, 2026 | Wichita, KS | Family
We have fond memories of Bill. He always had a smile & a positive attitude!! He loved cards “ you need a card” !! Favorite saying. Loved showing you his train set. Even when his eyes were failing, he stayed upbeat!! RIP friend Keeping you Karen & family in our thoughts!!
Kelley/Del Sayler
February 25, 2026 | Bismarck/Mesa, ND
Spent many years working with Bill at CHS. Always a smile and lots of wisdom to share. Sorry for your loss Karen and family.
Doug Rickels
February 25, 2026 | Middleton, WI | Coworker
I will always remember him from the time he spent with us in Roseville. I was still in grade school, he was staying with us. He was so fun to be around, any time he would be off on an errand he would bring me along to redeem his green stamps or shop for whatever he was looking for. It was always an adventure for me. And yes he has an awesome train layout. He will be missed!
David Klapperich
February 25, 2026 | Bloomington, MN | Family
So sorry for your loss, Bill was great friend and neighbor of our family. He will be missed
Ray Konzen
February 25, 2026 | Albuquerque, NM | Friend
We extend our sincere sympathy, to the family. We enjoyed our many times together with Bill. Our prayers are with you.
Pat & Carol Gehl
February 24, 2026 | Mesa, AZ | Friend
So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He was such a great person. Always had great things to say about people. He was such a friendly person. Bill will be missed by many. Prayers for all.
Dennis & Lois Merkes
February 24, 2026 | Cascade, IA
Bill Adams, 39- forever, peacefully passed away on February 23, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was the youngest of four children born to Edmund and Madelin (kirtz) Adams in Meyer, IA, attending schools in both Meyer and Little Cedar. On September 30, 1967, Bill married JoAnn Urbain. They had four children and raised them in Farley. After JoAnn passed away in 1997, Bill married Karen Kennedy on April 17th, 1998.
Bill had many jobs throughout his years, ending with 30 years spent with the Western Dubuque School District at Cascade High School. Bill and Karen enjoyed their retirement for 21 years, split between Dyersville and Mesa, AZ. Bill loved golfing (especially the Big Cup tournament), playing bingo, poker, cards, and organizing gatherings/happy hours to celebrate holidays or just the everyday fun of life. Everyone knew him as an avid Chicago Cubs fan, and he was lucky enough to attend a 2016 World Series game. With luck on his side, he enjoyed stopping at casinos, playing blackjack, and never missing a side bet. He especially enjoyed teaching his grandkids how to play the card game “31.” Bill devoted countless hours designing his train display with multiple tracks running through towns and mountains. It was always a hit with both adults and kids. Most importantly, Bill was a devoted husband, proud father/grandfather, beloved friend, and was welcoming to all.
He is survived by his wife, Karen Adams of Dyersville, his children Janette (Tom) Schroeder of Cedar Rapids IA, Alan (Kathy Barnes) of Liberty Township OH, Steve “Howie” (Adrianna Carey) of Chicago IL, and Amy (Chris) McCann of Golf IL and nine grandchildren - Dr. Ryan (Lacey) Schroeder, Tyler (Shannon) Schroeder, Lexie, Cole, and Torie Adams, Chandler Rose Adams, and Rory, Nora, and Lucy McCann and three great-grandchildren (Juniper, Sage, and Linden Schroeder). He is also survived by his sister, Mary Ellen Miller, and brother Bob (Jodie) Adams, sisters-in-law Barb Adams, Jane Sweeney, Ellen Lindauer, Bonnie (Willie) Kiernan, Jane (Jerry) Boge, and brothers-in-law Joe O’Brien, Bruce Cottrell, Bob Kennedy, along with many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife JoAnn, brother Jerry Adams, in-laws Mary Kathryn (Dave) Lassance, Jerome (Ruth) Urbain, Donna (John) Flynn, Elaine (Bud) Decker, George Murphy, Monica O’Brien, Lloyd Sweeney, Don Lindauer, Nora Cottrell, Helen Kennedy, and Joe Kennedy.
Visitation for Bill will be held from 3 to 7 p.m., on Friday, February 27, 2026, at the Reiff Funeral Home at 490 Field of Dreams Way in Dyersville, Iowa, where a prayer service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Visitation will also be held after 9 a.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at the funeral home.
Services for Bill will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at the Basilica of St. Francis Xavier in Dyersville, Iowa with Rev. M. Georges presiding. Burial will be held at a later date in St. John’s Cemetery in Placid, (Epworth), Iowa.
An online video tribute will may be viewed and online condolences sent to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com
A special thanks for the care given by Mercy One Cancer Center, Dr. Morgan-ihrig, and Hospice of Dubuque, especially nurse Kris. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Hospice of Dubuque, St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital and the American Cancer Society.
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