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John E. Adelmann, Jr., age 73, of Dubuque, IA, went home on December 12, 2023, to be with his personal Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. To honor John’s life, a private family burial will be held in the Savanna Township Cemetery in Savanna, Illinois. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving John’s family.
John was born on February 5, 1950, in New Rochelle, New York. He eventually made his way to Dubuque where his impact on the world around him would truly be immeasurable. John was a loving husband, devoted teacher, and relentless disciple for God’s Kingdom. He had received the Iowa Teacher of the Year award in time, but would humbly remain focused on the students in his Central Alternative High School history classes challenging them in 1998 to research the Tuskegee Airmen publishing a 230-page reference book. The proceeds from sales of the book exceeded $10,000 and were given to the Red Tail Project in Minneapolis to restore a P-51 Mustang to honor the Tuskegee fliers. Additionally in 2005 his students researched the history of the Dubuque Shot Tower that resulted in a published book. His spare time also found him creating many amazing model airplanes which he wanted all to enjoy.
But, first and foremost, John was a child of God, a disciple of Jesus, and an open and unapologetic vessel of the Holy Spirit into every room which he walked. His love for his fellow man came in second only to his desire to show them the road to salvation through our one and only true Savior, Jesus Christ. John was relentless, unwavering, and a prayer warrior through and through with the hopes that because of his efforts many others would hear the words he longed to hear as well: “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.” We will miss John more than he could comprehend and can only pray that we may help to spread the balance of salt and light which he carried so boldly. God bless you John and thank you for accepting God’s will in your life and living out the man the Lord made you to be!
John was preceded in death by his beautiful bride and soul-mate of 35 years, Judy (Vesely) Adelmann.
John’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Eagle Pointe Place, and Hospice of Dubuque for all of their professional and compassionate care. Along with a very sincere and heartfelt thank you to all of John’s friends who have been such an encouragement and support. Your kindness and love have meant more than you know and may the Lord bless each and every one of you.
“Make it count, leave a mark, build a name for yourself.
Dream your dreams, chase your heart, above all else, make a name the world remembers.
But, all an empty world can sell is empty dreams.
I got lost in the light when it was up to me to make a name the world remembers.
But, Jesus is the only name to remember.
And I, don’t want to leave a legacy, I don’t care if they remember me, only Jesus!
And I, I’ve only got one life to live, I’ll let every second point to Him, only Jesus!”
Online condolences may be shared with John’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com
To honor John’s life, a private family burial will be held in the Savanna Township Cemetery in Savanna, Illinois.
John, I was blessed to have called you my friend and brother in Christ. That friendship began 28 years ago, soon after we moved to Dubuque, when we bought this house on Lowell Street from you and Judy. We continue to reflect on the work you and your wife did in terms of making this place a home. To this day, we enjoy the landscaping and flowers that Judy took such wonderful care of in our yard. From there the friendship developed and grew as we worshipped together at Arbor Oaks Bible Chapel where you contributed regularly to the worship experience, playing the bass guitar as part of the worship team. We often discussed (and sometimes debated) worldly events from the perspective of prophesy and God’s Word regarding future events. In many ways we were what you might call kindred spirits in this. Your relentless pursuit of the truth was a joy to behold. By far the biggest encouragement you brought to our conversations was the desire to bring it all back around to the message of the Gospel and how we might share that Good News with others. I know you faced some severe worldly health challenges in these last several years, but through it all you kept the focus on Jesus Christ and for that I’m confident you did hear those words from our Savior “Well done good and faithful servant …” I will miss you my dear brother, but I know you now and forever enjoying the Blessed Hope of Eternity and your Mansion Over The Hilltop. I can almost picture you and your bass guitar playing and singing your praises to Him in perfect pitch and harmony. I will forever thank the Lord for making you a part of my life. May your zeal for the Gospel continue to encourage all of us. In Christ, Karl Stieglitz
I will miss his informational and challenging emails. So happy he is seeing his savior and beloved wife in heaven.
I am very sorry to hear of your families loss. I send my prayers and condolences your way. I send prayers your way for strength and healing through this trying time.
Nora Sheehan
I was privileged to work in John’s light while at Loras College. We collaborated on research and writing projects for his Central High school students. As a result of this collaboration I was able to dine with the Little Rock Nine and the Tuskegee airmen. He considered his students gifted and full of promise, an attitude that imbued his work. He will be missed.
John was an amazing history teacher and he will never be forgotten. He helped make me who I am today. I went to Central and graduated in 1989 and now I am a registered RN. He was always kind and very driven.
I was one of John’s students in the Tuskegee Airmen project and in a number of other classes that he taught. He always seemed more “New York” than “Dubuque” to me and I think that helped him in the classroom. When I heard about his passing, the first thing that came to mind was that he had the kind of grace and compassion that is rare and important. Many of my contemporaries had bad things going on in their lives and we couldn’t help but bring that into the classroom by acting out — saying and doing unpleasant things. It’s pretty easy to “throw the book at” someone, but I saw John chose the harder path — the one where you set aside ego and cut kids some slack when they need it. I’m better off because of him, and I know I’m not alone. The other thing that came to mind was that he was like a kid in a candy store at that school. He figured out what worked for the students — a sort of long-form, project-based history curriculum. He was FULLY engaged in his work on these projects! He got WAY into that work and that passion spread to us; the results were award-winning. He clearly really loved his work and cared about his students and changed lots of lives for the better. Impressive guy.
My condolences to John’s family. I was one of his History students. History was never one of my favorite subjects but I enjoyed being in his classroom. He made you see things from a whole different perspective. I enjoyed his JFK class the most. I know he impacted so many other students and he will be missed.
John was my Crew teacher for all of my time at Central. I admired his passion for what he taught. I was privileged enough to work with him on the Cold War project. He introduced us the the staff at Loras college to assist in our research. His passion to show history instead of just researching it lead me to meet the amazing Gale Halverson- the candy bomber of Berlin airlift fame, and the son of Francis Gary Powers at our conference.
John even took time out of his teaching to assist me in personal matters which I will forever be grateful. I probably wouldn’t have graduated if John had not been in my corner.
Peaceful rest John
Worked with John for three years as a Paraprofessional at Central. Still use Central Issue as reading for students by students.
Dear John, Thank You for the memories and for being the best teacher! God Speed and at least you know now who really Killed J.F.K. Sending prayers and mu condolences to the family.
John was one of the few teachers to have left an impact. He made learning fun and memorable. The world is one influencer less. John made social studies more than just what you read in books, he taught us to learn in a way that made sense for us, and he was blessed with lots of patience. R.I.P John. You will be missed by many.
John what a great teacher!!! I’m proud to call myself a Central Dragon and one of John’s students!!! RIP and fly high!!!
Rest Easy Teach!🙏 Thank you for being a great teacher! I can only imagine how tough it must’ve been sometimes putting up with all our shenanigans. Without y’all I probably wouldn’t have graduated. I’m forever grateful for your commitment and compassion for us juvenile delinquents and truly honored to have been taught by one of the finest!!! Sending love and prayers to your loved ones!!🙏
John was my best friend at Port Chester Senior High School when we were both in band. We always hung out at each other’s house and mowed lawns in the Summer for some extra money. When I moved to Dubuque for college, I encouraged John to look for a teaching job here which he did and he enjoyed teaching at Central immensely. John was also the Best Man at my wedding and we had lived together for a time. Unfortunately, we grew apart through the years and saw less and less of each other which I regret. RIP Lurch.
Condolences to Johns Family.
John was my history teacher at Central class of 1983. John was a great educator of history. I also had the privilege to work side by side with John on many Central projects. Who killed JFK and the Tuskegee Airmen were 2 of my all time favorites. John touched many students lives in a way no-one else could. Thanks for leaving your imprint on this earth.
Blessings and peace
Allison Tharp Lott
My prayers of comfort for John’s family, friends, & former students. John filled a hole in my life when I discovered not only his required history class but when he encouraged me to take his Sociology class in my senior year (Class of 1987). We published a book on Law Enforcement and it opened my eyes that you can dream & make them reality! I moved to the southeast after graduation but John & I kept in touch now & then; I purchased the Tuskegee Airman book. He inspired me to realize being a teacher also! John can never be replaced. . .he was a true angel in life & now with wings in heaven. God Bless You John.