I just saw this sad news on Facebook of the passing of Pat Adam, who was literally interwoven into the fabric of the State GOP all the years I’ve been involved.
Her father and brother were Governor. She was Party Vice Chair, and her son Karl was Chair. Truly a loss for the Party, and the Pierre community:
Patricia Ann Mickelson was born on May 22, 1936, in Mobridge, South Dakota, to George T. and Madge Turner Mickelson. She joined sisters Janice and Lavon, with brother George S. completing the family. Pat grew up in Selby, South Dakota, also spending four years in Pierre when her father served two terms as Governor of South Dakota. In 1958, Pat was graduated from the University of South Dakota, received her Masters Degree in Speech Pathology in 1961, and taught at USD for a year. In 1959, Pat married Thomas C. Adam. Tom received his Juris Doctor degree from the University Of South Dakota School of Law in 1961 and the couple moved to Pierre where Tom began practicing with the firm of Martens and Goldsmith, presently known as May, Adam, Gerdes and Thompson.
Tom and Pat raised four children in Pierre: Kathleen, Paula, Karlton, and Sarah. They are proud grandparents of 14 grandchildren and one great granddaughter.
Through the years, Pat was a passionate advocate for her community, local education, the state of South Dakota, and was involved in many state and community organizations. She served as a board member for the Children’s Care Hospital and School of Sioux Falls, the USD Foundation, Community First Bank South Dakota, and the South Dakota Community Foundation. She served as president of the Pierre School Board, and member and president of the South Dakota School Board Association. Pat was instrumental in starting the AAUW Preschool that still welcomes families at the First United Methodist Church in Pierre. She was a member and president of the South Dakota Historical Society, serving on its foundation. Pat was a member of the South Dakota Federation of Republican Women committee that updated and restored the First Lady Inaugural Gown collection, and of the Trail of Governors Foundation. Pat was very proud of the statues of South Dakota governors that grace the community of Pierre.
Pat loved politics and was active in the Republican Party throughout her life, especially during the time her brother served as Governor. Pat served as Secretary of the South Dakota Senate for 12 years and enjoyed the activity and friendships she made. Pat and Tom have been active disciples and part of the congregation of the First United Methodist Church in Pierre for decades. She was a 50 year member of the PEO sisterhood, Chapter AB, and a proud member of the Alpha Phi Sorority.
Sad news…headline is wordy.
There is no obituary that can encompass the breadth of the impact of this single woman on a family, her friends, her community, and our State. I’ve known her my entire life as my parents lived in the same apartment building at USD when I was born and her daughter is one of my best friends from high school. My heart is truly broken with her passing. My love for her has nothing to do with her community activity. I love her for the kindness she showed me every time I came into her presence. I will write a tribute to her over this weekend to give a broader insight into this truly great woman.