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Bert Adams Obituary
Bert Newton Adams
MADISON - Bert Newton Adams, age 91, of Madison, WI, died on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at Agrace Hospice Residence in Fitchburg after three days there, following a year-long struggle with health issues.
Bert was born in Philadelphia, PA, to William Walter and Beulah Adams in 1932, and lived in Wayne, PA, until 1944, when his family moved to Kansas City, KS.
Bert earned a B.A. in Music from William Jewell College, a Th.M. from Southern Seminary, and a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After a post-doctoral fellowship at UNC, Dr. Adams joined the Sociology faculty of University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1965. For nearly 50 years he taught courses on Social Theory and large lecture classes on Marriage and the Family, reaching some 20,000 UW students. From 1970-72 Bert served as a senior lecturer and researcher at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda. His book, "An American Family in Amin's Uganda," chronicles the experiences he and his family had.
Bert published 20 academic books, including textbooks on "Family" and "Social Theory," and many peer-reviewed journal articles. He received numerous research grants and professional awards and was a Fellow and President of the National Council on Family Relations. Dr. Adams conducted sociological research in Kenya, Uganda, India, Canada, and Great Britain, and gave academic lectures in Sweden, Estonia, Bangladesh, and Korea.
Bert was widely known for his amazing baritone voice. His performing career spanned 50- plus years, including more than 30 lead roles with Madison Opera, singing at his beloved church (First Baptist, Madison) and for senior living communities including Oakwood Village, University Woods, where he resided.
Bert found enjoyment in a fantasy baseball team, for which he was an original developer in the 1970s. He also co-created the board game, "Run for President," first produced in 2007. His marriage was a deeply bonded partnership, which has impacted hundreds of lives.
Preceded in death by his parents; and his older brother, William Walter Adams III (Will), Dr. Adams is survived by his loving wife of nearly 70 years, Diane; sons: John (Lori) Adams and Joel Adams; and grandchildren: Rebekah (Jeffrey) Juillerat and Andrew (Jami-Lee) Adams.
A service celebrating Bert's remarkable life will be held at Oakwood Village, University Woods on February 24, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. in Resurrection Chapel, followed by a reception. The service will be livestreamed.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bert's name may be sent to a charity of your choice or First Baptist Church/Madison, Madison Opera, University of Wisconsin Foundation (undergraduate scholarships), or the Oakwood Village Foundation (Life Enrichment).
Bert had "a singing heart" and spoke out for peace and justice all his life.
Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road
Madison, WI 53705
608-238-3434
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Memories and Condolences
for Bert Adams
Sponsored by Cress Funeral & Cremation Service - Madison West.
Edith Lewis
January 4, 2025
Another opportunity to thank you for all you did for me and my family
Michelle Marking
October 3, 2024
I was a student in his marriage and family class at UW Madison. He was a memorable professor. I quote him often in my work. He finished the semester with a wonderful song. I was thinking of him and found this recent obituary. My condolences to his wife and family.
John Campbell
February 29, 2024
I worked for Bert while in grad school. He was a fabulous teacher and a fierce competitor on both the squash court and softball diamond! But he was an even better friend.
Anthony Ashley
February 20, 2024
first met Bert in '93, singing at the MO. Really enjoyed his stories of Africa. Also, especially fun doing Mikado in '08. Thank you, sir. Godspeed
Peggy Walters
February 19, 2024
A wonderful voice. A wonderful soul.
Jane Gilgun
February 10, 2024
I'm sorry Bert has died. Here is a poem to commemorate him.
Remember me when I sang
my favorite songs and
laughed with you
To be alive
is to love what is mortal
and to remember
Edith A. Lewis
February 9, 2024
The most incredible Bert Adams served as a mentor, colleague, and choral partner for me between 1981-2015. We sang together at the First Baptist Church of Madison in the choir, and did duets and small group singing with others there. I often say that I owe receiving my doctorate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison to Bert´s support, wise counsel and participation in both my preliminary exams and dissertation committees. He was beloved by so many of us who were not even students in his department because he would so willingly support us in our studies and always knew so much more about the workings of Universities than we did. I relied on him in my first years as a new faculty member at the University of Michigan and have noted on many occasions the lessons I learned from him. As members of the National Council on Family Relations, it was such a gift to be able to seek out Bert´s strategies for working effectively within the organization; particularly in times of crises.
Bert and Diane modeled what a strong marriage could be, and I still honor them as examples of true partnership.
My heart now overflows with gratitude and respect for my dear mentor; knowing that he truly has now gone into his next great adventure in the Light; leaving an example for all of us to follow. My condolences to Diane, his family, friends and all of us who loved him.
Margaret Crosbie-Burnett, Ph.D.
February 8, 2024
Dr. Adams was so kind and encouraging to me as a new assistant professor at UW-Madison in 1983. He continued to be a mentor at NCFR meetings. His strength, wisdom, and kindness will on through all the lives he has touched.
Margaret Crosbie-Burnett, Ph.D.
Joel Rogers
January 16, 2024
Surely one of my favorites colleagues. So smart. So loving. So full of fun!
Greg P
January 15, 2024
Prof Adams was an amazing and inspirational teacher whose lessons I still recall 40 years later. He sang "Impossible Dream" acapella at the end of the last lecture of the semester, which I will never forget. A life well lived, to be sure.
The Staff of Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
January 13, 2024
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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