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 17, 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 Children’s Hospital and the American Cancer Society.