Fredrick James Adamson Sr.

Fredrick James Adamson, Sr., 84, passed away on January 10, 2025. Fred was born in Battle Creek, Michigan and reared on a centennial dairy farm in Bedford, Michigan. His boyhood was filled with hunting, trapping and hard work on the farm. His parents, Arleta and Roland and his sisters Judy and Kathy were an important foundation for his journey through life. As a young man he worked at the Bedford Garage as a mechanic and developed his great love for cars. He could repair anything before automobiles became electronic and computerized. 

In 1964, he began working at Kellogg’s and over the years worked many different positions from the warehouse to production and finished his career as a flavor maker. He enjoyed his many friendships and retired in 2000 after over 35 years of service.

In the early 60’s he met and married Patricia Banaszak. He and Pat started a family of four children, Fred Jr., John, Kim and Tina. He loved his family and often worked seven days a week to provide for them. Family life brought him great joy. Over the years he continued to hunt, fish and occasionally trap. He shared his love for the outdoors with many and was happiest out in the open air. In 1978, Fred and Pat designed and built their own home. It was a great passion and accomplishment. He did everything from laying brick, roofing the house, paving the drive, crafting stair railings, oak trim and curtain rods. He added a barn on the property to raise an annual steer for beef and ventured into his boyhood love for horses. Before long there were geese, ducks, rabbits, chickens and any stray animal that needed care. Gardening and tending the fields were his relaxation. He loved planting seedling trees and watching them grow and that included a stand of Christmas trees that were often used by the local parish for Christmas decorations. He never stopped and expected his kids to do the same teaching them all a love for hard work, nature and God’s goodness. 

After retirement he and Pat, enjoyed antiquing, car shows, woodworking and travel. Trips to the Upper Peninsula, Branson, Graceland, Arizona, Florida, California, Las Vegas and to surrounding Casinos kept them on the go. His 55 Chevy and weekend cars shows put a smile on his face as he shared stories and memories of cruising the gut in Battle Creek in his younger days. The biggest joy for Mema and Papa were their six grandsons. Fred was amazed at their unique personalities, talents and gifts and rarely missed a sporting event, performance or an opportunity to be with them. 

Later in life they moved to Hickory Corners and enjoyed the rolling hills north of Gull Lake. He found great peace in the bubbling stream, deer, eagles, owls, blue birds, turkeys and cranes that would entertain them from their expansive windows that overlooked their wooded valley. 

Through the years they were members of Saint Joseph Parish, Saint Jerome Parish and Saint Anne’s Parish and enjoyed Saturday evening Mass and a dinner outing afterward. Fred was a member of the Kellogg 25 year club and on occasion enjoyed a breakfast with the old crew.

In the last years of life he walked the journey of dementia with his families support and love. We are especially grateful for the care provided by the staff of Brookdale Senior Living in the last few months. 

He is survived by his wife, Pat of 63 years, his sons, Father Fred Adamson, Jr. of Scottsdale, AZ, John (Lisa) Adamson of Ceresco and daughter Tina (Dave) Sprague of Battle Creek. His six grandsons, Captain Joseph and Nicholas Adamson, Patrick, Mark, Adam and John Luke Sprague. His sisters Judy Allen and Kathy (Bill) Simpson. He is proceeded in death by his parents, Roland and Arleta Adamson, and his daughter Kim. The family extended too many other cousins, nieces and nephews and people who became like family over the years. 

You are invited to a visitation at Richard Henry Funeral Home on January 16th from 5pm – 7pm followed immediately by a rosary service at 7pm and to the Funeral Mass on January 17th at 1:30 pm at Saint Joseph Catholic Church

Donations may be made to the Battle Creek Area Catholic Schools Foundation to assist students in their education. 

He will be greatly missed but never forgotten. His legacy lives on in the memories and stories told.