Stephen Richard Adams

1943 - 2025

Ajijic, Mexico - Steve Adams passed away this past Memorial Day after a series of health-related complications. Steve was born in Janesville, WI. He was the first born to parents Frank R. Adams and Mary E. (Skelly) Adams. Steve grew up in the Fourth Ward and graduated from St. Pat's School. His childhood passion was to be a participant in any outdoor activity, especially fishing the many spots along the Rock River close to the family home. Growing up took on a special meaning at age 15, when his mother passed away. Steve's role as the oldest of six children changed. He knew then that his help was needed to be a stable family support.

While in school Steve gained a step mother (Phyllis Goldsmith) and a step brother. Steve was a Janesville High School athlete, playing football and excelling in shot put and discus in track. Steve always credited his success in high school to the late Don Swanson. Success not only for athletics, but for direction and drive that lead to achievements later in life. Steve attended the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse. While in La Crosse he married his college sweetheart, Mary Kirkhorn. They moved on to Baldwin Wallace College (Berea, OH). There he earned a masters degree and took a position as fund raiser for the small private college. Then came a move to Western Illinois University (Macomb) to assume the position of Assistant Director of the student union facility. Steve and Mary welcomed their daughter Erin while in Macomb. A hobby of antique collecting turned into a small side business during those years. The enterprise was the result of a friendship with Ron Scott, a local collector as well. The two opened their business as "Happy Days Antiques." The close friendship lasted until Steve passed.

The University of Maryland was to be the final destination of Steve's career. At University of Maryland, he was Director and Coordinator of the student union building. Steve was held in high regard by the University administration, facility employees, students, and other staff, as the head of this campus life center. Steve also met his second wife Heidi, when their lives connected at College Park. After retirement Steve traveled with Heidi and then took up permanent residence in Mexico.

Steve is survived by his wife Heidi, daughter Erin, brother John (Linda) Adams, sisters Sue (Steve) Puscas, Kit Adams, Julie (Marv Studzinski) Adams, sister-in-law Barb Adams, step brother Lee Foster and many nieces and nephews. Steve was preceded in death by his parents, step mother and brother James (Jim) Adams.

Throughout his life Steve found the joy, whether it was fishing, the quest of picking antiques, or the kiddie pool at the family reunion.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEVE!