John R. Adamek
January 17, 1965 ~ February 17, 2025
Age 60 of Forest Lake. Loving Husband, Dad, Son & Grandson, passed away on February 17, 2025 after a hard fought battle with cancer.
Preceded in death by father, Albert; grandmothers, Lorraine Fleming, Ann Kammermeyer. Survived by loving wife of 25 years, Kim; children, Joe, Alexandra; mother, Nancy; grandfather, Robert Fleming; many aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives & friends.
John began a long and successful career in law enforcement in 1986 with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Department in Titusville, Florida. He joined the St. Paul Police Department in 1989 and served in many roles throughout his 35 years of dedicated service. John was a Police Explorer Program Advisor for many years where he helped teach and support high school students interested in a law enforcement career. John was most proud of his accomplishments related to his role as Commander of the St. Paul Police Bomb Squad, which he was a part of for 26 years, serving as Commander of the unit for 15 years. During that time John made significant contributions as a member of the National Bomb Squad Commanders Advisory Board (2012-2024) and served as Chair from 2020-2024. John was instrumental in developing the National Maritime Bomb Technician program and provided training to hundreds of bomb technicians across the country related to techniques, tactics and procedures involving bomb squad responses in maritime environments. John also trained hundreds of police officers in patrol responses to active shooter situations as well as events involving weapons of mass destruction and hazardous materials. He was a proud partner to the Hazardous Devices School in Huntsville, AL where he returned frequently to provide input and re-certify as a Bomb technician. John’s teammates on the bomb squad, as well as bomb technicians across the country, admired and respected him.
He joined the Masons after retiring and enjoyed helping out with events sponsored by the Masonic Lodge in the Forest Lake Community. In his spare time, which he often complained he didn’t have enough of, he enjoyed boat building and racing, which was a hobby he shared with his son Joseph for many years. John was a champion for his children. He never missed a trap or gymnastics tournament. He was always available to lend a helping hand with the Boy Scout activities when Joseph was a scout and was present for every meeting and event. John was all around a man of dedicated service to his family, community and the law enforcement profession. He made incredible contributions throughout his life and will be remembered fondly and deeply missed.
John’s life will be celebrated with a service at 4 PM Thursday, March 6th with visitation beginning at 2 PM at Maranatha Assembly of God, Forest Lake. The service will be livestreamed here. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center.
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John was a magnificent human being – he was a wonderful mentor to my son during Boy Scouts and a friend to me Words cannot express my sadness for Kim, Alex and Joe.
For me, there are few people I completely trust… and yet, within moments of meeting John more than a decade ago, my soul knew he was someone who would be kind, courteous and helpful to me. He was one of those few people on this planet I could rely on for safety and happiness. Loved the laughter he brought to me and our friends…. and how much his family meant to him……
Love you John. You were an amazing man. You will be so missed. You will live on in our memories of all the good times. Sending Love to Kim, Joe, and Alex. Love Dede Booth
My deepest condolences to the Adamek Family. John’s commitment to the PSBT community, NBSCAB and his family was unwavering and an example for us all to emulate.
Kimby, I’m heartbroken to hear of John’s passing. I loved being around that cantankerous grouch. I have vivid memories of sheer terror while screaming down The St. Croix at 75 mph in his catamaran raceboat. We were going so fast it was sucking the beer outta my can! God bless him we’ll send prayers your way.
We are so sorry for your loss of John. Know our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Kim and family,
I will always remember John with a smile on my face. We would share stories about how the full noon impacted nurses and police officers shifts. I loved hearing his stories and his laugh. He always made me feel welcomed when we meet.
Prayers are with Kim.
Marietta Farris
Enjoy work on the shift with h I m, he was a Card!! You had to be on a call with him and you would understand this memory! Rest in Peace John!
I’m so sorry for your family’s loss. He was a great boss and I really enjoyed working for him. May your family feel God’s peace and presence during this difficult time. ❤️
Sylvia
Our deepest condolences on your loss. He is a great treasure to all that knew him.
Kim, I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing. He went way too soon. I have so many memories of work and being a police explorer advisor with John. I talked him into volunteering, telling him it would be great on his resume if he ever decided to get promoted, to which, he laughed and told me he wasn’t interested in getting promoted. We had so many laughs and adventures with those kids whose own kids are now graduated or graduating. He never stopped helping those kids even coordinating and organizing the search and arrest scenario last April. Those kids loved him. He was known as the cool and fun advisor. I will never forget the trips and events with John, the other advisors and the police explorers. I loved working with John then working for him. Great co-worker and great boss. I loved his story telling! Boy, could he tell and story with coffee in one hand a cigarette in the other, captivating and drawing everyone in. My cheeks would hurt after listening to him. I will miss my dear friend but I will never forget him. He was truly, one of a kind. Sincerest condolences to you and your family. Love and prayers from Susan and Carl
Kim and family, we are so sorry to hear of Johns passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Keep Jesus close, he heals the brokenhearted!
With love and heartfelt sympathy. We are so sorry we are not able to be with you today, but know we are with you in spirit.
Remembering you and “John R. Adamek” in our minds and in our hearts.
John, will be missed. I served on the National Bomb Squad Commanders Advisory Board with John. He was always willing to do whatever was needed to get the job done and keep the public safety bomb technicians safe. The photo is the NBSCAB board at the Hazardous Devices School, Bomb Technician Memorial.
John was a great man and mentor to Bomb Technicians throughout the United States. He will be missed. RIP our brother.
John will be missed as a friend and a colleague. His vision of one team / one mission will endure in the bomb technician community for years to come.
John will be missed. He was a strong advocate for the Bomb Squad community and a great man. He loved everything about bomb work and the people who work in it. Take care brother.
Our deepest condolences
FBI Special Agent Bomb Techs would like to express our condolences and remember the exceptional contributions he has made to the Bomb tech community.
To the Adamek family, please accept our deepest condolences on the loss of our dear friend John. He will be sorely missed by the Bomb Tech community.
John was not only a friend, but a colleague and dedicated sergeant for the Saint Paul Police Department. His years of experience, teaching and mentoring at the department were second to none. However, his greatest attributes were his love of family and his energetic humor which we all enjoyed.
Rest in peace brother.