John W. Adair

John W. Adair

March 19, 1929 – December 14, 2022

Native son of Redding, Iowa, from where the roots of innovation, resourcefulness, neighborliness, and family were nurtured.  Graduate of the University of Iowa and the U.S. Air Force Officer Candidate School.

Insurance and commercial real estate broker and investor; co-founder of the Montessori Schools movement in Omaha; founder of the Consortium for Dementia Alternatives; Nursery Mat early childhood center; and… he had about a million more ideas just waiting to embrace any partner willing to jump on board and have fun building something meaningful together!  John Adair was a “one man think-tank” and perhaps the world’s greatest champion of Connect-the-Dots — webbing together ideas, individuals’ talents and motivations, the possibilities, and their greater purpose.

Every moment in John’s life was a joyful exercise of finding ways to elevate others through his wisdom, innovation, enthusiasm, and personal support.

He was preceded in death by his parents Earl and Mary Adair; sisters, Margaret and Dorothy.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Rosemarie; sons: John “Steve” (Julian), Axel (Shelly), Tilman (Debra) and Torsten; grandchildren: John Parker (Meghan), Camille, Gracelyn, Colette, Rafael, Aubrey; great-grandchild, Vincent; beloved sister, Alice; treasured nieces and nephews; and a world full of extended “uncles and aunts” of all generations.


A Joyful Celebration of Life will begin at 1:30 pm on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at St. Michael Lutheran Church – 13232 Blondo, Omaha, NE 68164

If you are unable to attend, his family would love to hear any thoughts or stories you would like to send to:

The John Adair Family

c/o St. Michael Lutheran Church, or to FamilyOfAdairs@yahoo.com

 

In honor of John, memorials are suggested to TBF/Builders of the Future. Its mission is to introduce, prepare, and lift up high school students for a career in the construction trades.

www.TheBuilderFoundation.org

“The Builder Foundation”

℅ Blackman & Associates, PC

17445 Arbor Street, Suite 200

Omaha, NE  68130

6 Comments

  • Sandra L Cerveny Posted December 21, 2022 5:23 pm

    So terribly sorry for your loss. Sandy and Gil Cerveny

  • Linda and Rakie Rehkop Posted December 21, 2022 10:22 pm

    The family grieves with you for the loss of one of the most beautiful hearts on the planet. The heart does go on and how Uncle John influenced our lives with encouragement, his unparalleled wit, and heartfelt goodness will ever continue. Love to Rosemarie, all his sons and families and Aunt Alice. We are fortunate to have known him close by..

  • Dr. Craig R Christiansen Posted December 22, 2022 1:45 pm

    Rosemarie and family: I am so sorry to hear of John‘s passing. Since our days at Technical High, I have thought so much of John and your family. I think he was one of the most interesting thinkers I have ever met. His energy and ideas were infectious…and always directed towards what was good for the larger community. He made this a better world. I will miss him and thank you for sharing him with us.

  • Mary A. Hansen Posted December 26, 2022 4:51 pm

    A wonderful gentleman!

  • Fr. Jim Clifton, SJ Posted April 18, 2023 4:58 am

    Tillman: I remember you from your time at Prep. I am sorry to learn of the death of your dear and remarkable father. I will remember him, and all your family, at Mass.

  • Bill Williams Posted April 19, 2023 7:43 am

    John was a patriot and supportive of the Honor Flights we organized for Nebraska veterans to visit their memorials in D.C., particularly for the seven WWII flights.
    Good guy, Evonne and I are sorry for your loss.

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