Wayne Adams

Wayne M. Adams, 73, born in Grand Forks, raised near Reynolds and recently moved to Bismarck, passed away at home Wednesday, June 11th, 2025.

Mass of Christian burial will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, June 21 at Pro-Cathedral of St. Mary, 825 E Broadway Ave, Bismarck. The service will be live streamed below. 

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, June 20 at Eastgate Funeral Service, 2302 E Divide Ave, Bismarck. A rosary/vigil service will begin at 7 p.m.

Burial will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Bismarck.

Wayne Michael Adams was born August 2, 1951, to Laurence Joseph and Theresa Barbara (Schreiner) Adams, on the family farm in Reynolds, ND. While growing up on the farm, he learned to love the life of farming and family while working side-by-side with his paternal grandparents, parents and brothers. He attended country school through 8th grade and graduated from Reynolds High School.

Wayne was united in marriage to Linda Marie Stockert Erickson on Dec 2, 1989, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Reynolds. Shortly after marrying, Wayne’s parents asked them to take over the original 1914 farmstead to allow for them to move into an apartment in Reynolds. He and Linda fervently worked together renovating the original farmhouse and the entire farmstead. Wayne’s son, Travis, also lived with them until he graduated high school.

Wayne was a quiet, good-natured, humorous and hard-working man. Wayne was frequently called “goofball” by family and friends. He loved to pull pranks, tell jokes and just “plain have fun” with whoever was nearby.

He and Linda loved to dance more than any other activity. The first day they met they were instantly attracted to each other upon discovering that they danced perfectly together. Their love of dancing continued for over 30 years. It was the one thing they truly missed after his illness began.

He also loved their dogs and cockatiel bird, “Mikie”. Wayne loved to teach the dogs and Mikie how to talk. The dogs would sing, “I love you”. Mikie could say many words and learned several short sayings. One morning as Wayne and Linda began to awake, Mikie was pecking at their bedroom door asking repeatedly, “What are you doing?” They never forgot these moments.

During their 35 years of marriage, Wayne worked for the ND State Highway Department as a snowplow driver with a multitude of other duties. After the Grand Forks flood, he worked for Urban Development and Grand Forks Heating. His final job was striping highways for Bruce Kulseth of Reynolds.

Due to the progression of Wayne’s terminal illness and inability to assist with the farmstead, they decided to move to Bismarck, ND, in late October 2024. This move resulted in a lesser workload for Linda, the ability to be closer to a hospital and to Linda’s extensive family for additional support. Wayne appreciated all those who helped throughout the move, allowing Linda to devote more time and care to him.

Wayne is survived by Linda, his wife of 35 years; son, Travis (Jill) Adams, Linda’s children: Son, Roy Erickson (fiancé Cheryl Kuntz) of Bismarck, ND and daughter, Sheri (Keith) Babinski of Surprise, AZ. Step-children from previous marriage: Kalen Helle, Grand Forks, ND and Desiree Hapka, Las Vegas, NV; grandchildren: Camryn Adams, Caylee Adams; Dustin Hapka, Kenneth (Jocelyn) Mees, Cody (Caylie) Mees, Kacey Mees; Terry Froelich and Tyler Babinski; great-grandchildren: Addelyn (Terry); Sophia, Jaxson and Hazel (Kenneth); Nevaeh, Brinley, and Carrah (Cody); brothers: Larry (Mary) Adams; sisters-in-law: Judi (Galegher) wife of brother Mervin; Ethel (Schumacher) wife of brother Gerald; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and wife Linda’s family consisting of eight brothers, five sisters and their family members.

Wayne was preceded in death by parents, Laurence & Theresa Adams; paternal grandparents, Hedwig (Hattie) Adams; maternal grandparents, Wolfgang & Caroline Schreiner; brothers: Mervin and Gerald.