Donald E. Adams, age 87, of Sheboygan, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 3, 2022, at Sheboygan Health Services. 

Donald was born on April 26, 1934, to Guy and Sarah (Fickett) Adams in Imogene, Minnesota. Donald attended the one room schoolhouse in Imogene. After school, Donald traveled throughout the Midwest and started a pen pal relationship with Ruth Houghtaling. Donald and Ruth had an instant connection through their letters, and were later married on February 27, 1960, in Sheboygan. They raised five children together in Sheboygan, Brian, Brenda, Annette, Mark, and Barbara.  

Donald worked at Garton Toy Factory for many years until its closing. After his time with Garton, he worked until his retirement at Lakeshore Display where he made display units. 

Donald enjoyed traveling across the US after his retirement on many different bus trips. He volunteered with Cub Scouts for his children and grandchildren, helping them with various woodworking projects. 

Donald was a proud and loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He enjoyed being a part of their lives and seeing all their accomplishments.  

Donald is survived by his children, Brian Adams, Brenda (Kurt) Simenson, Annette (Craig) Christenson, Mark (Shirley) Adams, and Barbara (Allen) Baneck; 13 grandchildren, John Sorlie, Kenneth and Steven Crane, Sarah Baneck, Tiffany (Nick) Annis, Jeannette (Matthew) Rausch, Nathan (Kristen) Crane, Scott (Stephanie) Sorlie, Thomas (Karissa) Sorlie, Robert Crane, Derick Adams, Thaddeus Baneck, and Reba Baneck; 10 great-grandchildren; siblings, Micky (Robert) Lowen, Rosie Laue, and John (Dorean) Adams; sister-in-law, Shirley Adams; many special nieces and nephews who he thought of as his own children; and other relatives and friends.  

Donald was preceded in death by his loving wife, Ruth “Irene” who passed away on June 29, 1996; great-grandson, Luke; his parents; brother, Vincent Adams; sister, MaryLou (Douglas) Rittenhouse. 

A funeral service will be held for Donald at 1:00 PM on Friday, April 8, 2022, at Ballhorn Chapels (1201 N. 8th Street, Sheboygan, WI 53081). A public visitation will be held from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at the funeral home. 

Donald’s family would like to thank the staff at Sheboygan Health Services for the wonderful care and concern that they showed Donald. 

If you would like to share a message of sympathy with Donald’s family, please visit www.ballhornchapels.com.