Adam Meidinger

Adam Meidinger, 90, of Mesa, AZ, passed away January 23, 2019. He was born February 17, 1928, in Streeter, ND, to Jacob and Martha (Schnabel) Meidinger. Adam graduated from Streeter High School in 1946. During his high school days, he pumped gas at his father’s Standard Oil station and John Deere dealership and was a star athlete in both basketball and baseball. After high school, he attended Wartburg College in Dubuque, Iowa, where he majored in history and English. In 1950, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Adam was inspired to accept God’s calling to join the ministry by his childhood pastor, Rev. Nichols, who eventually ordained him and remained a lifelong friend. Adam entered Wartburg Seminary in 1950, where he earned his Doctor of Divinity in 1953. Adam was ordained as a Lutheran pastor at his childhood parish, St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Streeter, ND, on July 5, 1953.

On June 21, 1953, he married Ruth Jean Beck of Edgewood, Iowa. They began their life together in Halliday, ND, where Adam served at St. John Lutheran Church, in Halliday and Dodge, ND. Throughout his early career, Adam conducted services in both English and German to serve the needs of his parishioners. In 1956, they relocated to Hosmer, SD, where he served St. John Lutheran Church. In 1959, Adam was called to St. Paul Lutheran Church in Garrison, ND, where he served for five years. He left his beloved Dakotas when called to Theodore Street Lutheran Church, in Joliet, IL, in 1965. Thereafter, Adam served St. John Lutheran Church, Lake Township, in Fort Wayne, IN, 1968-1976; St. Paul Lutheran Church, Peoria, IL, 1976-1983; and Living Christ Lutheran Church, Loves Park, IL, 1983-1985. This followed a period of interim ministry in Wisconsin from 1986 to 1993.

Upon officially retiring from the ministry, Adam and Ruth moved to Mesa, AZ, in 1994 where Adam continued to serve congregations in his community. He served as chaplain at Mesa Good Shephard, Associate Pastor at Victory Lutheran Church, and preached when needed at our Savior Lutheran Church, Queen Valley Lutheran and Park Place Resort. Adam’s greatest joy was preaching and teaching which he continued to do until his late 80’s.

Adam was an avid golfer, enjoyed reading mystery novels and historical fiction, and loved playing cards. He was a history buff and known to stop at every roadside historical marker during family road trips.

Adam was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth, on April 7, 2009. He is survived by his life partner, Judith Rose, and four children, Mark Adam (Kris) Meidinger, Mary Meidinger (William) Wilson, Joel Alan (Terri) Meidinger and Paul Eric (Lilia) Meidinger; grandchildren Peter Jacob (Irina) Meidinger and Amanda Marie Meidinger, Jonathan Adam Wilson, Julien Alexander Wilson and Kathryn Marie Wilson, William James Meidinger, John Paul Meidinger and Elizabeth Louise Meidinger; his great-granddaughter Kira Meidinger; his sisters, Violet Bachman and Donna DeWald; and his brother, Albert Meidinger.

A celebration of his life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, February 14, 2019, at Victory Lutheran Church, 5946 E. University Drive, Mesa, AZ. 85205. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be designated to Lutheran World Relief (lwr.org).

Arrangements entrusted to Mariposa Gardens Funeral Care (480) 830-4422.