William Elza Adams

MIDDLETON-William “Elza” Adams, age 86, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2014. He was born and raised in Vidalia, Georgia, served in the Navy in WWII, graduated from Georgia Tech, and met his wife, Joanne, on a blind date in Atlanta. They married on September 20, 1952, and together raised 5 children and provided them with the happiest of childhoods. The family enjoyed many happy times together camping, spending time at the ocean, traveling to visit family, and eventually moving to Wisconsin in 1969 to be near Joanne's family. His Southern roots influenced his deep family values. Elza loved the Green Bay Packers, the UW Badgers, and his beloved Georgia Tech Yellowjackets. One of the greatest highlights of his later life was taking the Honor Flight to the Washington, D.C., War Memorials with his son, Lee, also a Navy veteran. In addition to his wife, Elza is survived by his children, Connie (Richard, deceased) Acklam of Middleton, Kerrie (Neal) Kedzie of Elkhorn, Wm. Lee (Carole) Adams of Reedsburg; Mary Kay (Michael) Adams-Edgette of Sun Prairie and Angela (Michael) McKenzie of Madison; 12 grandchildren; Katie Acklam, and Erin (Damone) Carson, Erika (Damian) Koch, Ryan and Sean Kedzie, Carleigh and Heath Adams, Emily (Chris) Scheffelman, Katy (Brett) Schuster, Chloe, Tess and Tara McKenzie, five great-grandchildren; Jaia and Briana Carson, Ella and Lily Scheffelman, and Owen Schuster. A Celebration of his life will be held on Thursday, December 4, 2014 at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL & CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton at 2:00 p.m. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 12:00 noon until the time of services at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the family. The family sincerely thanks the staff at The Villa at Middleton Village, Dr. Kenneth Felz, Agrace HospiceCare, and Meriter Home Health for their tender, loving care. You were the best husband, father, and grandfather in the world. Thank you for always being there for all of us. You will always be in our hearts. We can see you in ourselves and your grandchildren. Your legacy will always live on. Rest well, for you have earned it. Continue to watch over us and guide us with your loving spirit. Sweetheart, save the last dance for me. -Joanne