Jeffrey Adelmann, 50, formerly of Owatonna

My beloved soulmate, Jeffrey Allen Adelmann, returned to heaven on May 9, 2023 at the age of 50.

We are heartbroken but, now that Jeff is at peace, we are finding comfort. Jeff fought pancreatic cancer on his own terms, never allowing it to slow him down. His courageous strength was seen by everyone. He would work a half day on Thursdays and then have chemo in the afternoon. He would work a full day on Fridays and then coach soccer Friday nights. When soccer ended, he would ski at Welch on the weekends.

Jeff was born June 29, 1972 in Minneapolis to Joseph and JoAnn (Christian) Adelmann. In his early years, Jeff lived on the farm in Claremont. After moving to Owatonna, he attended St. Mary’s School and graduated from Owatonna High School. Jeff graduated from the University of Minnesota-Duluth where he was a member of Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity.

Back in the day, Jeff was a kid in the candy store working at Audio King. In 2007, Jeff started working at Northern Tool and Equipment as a business account manager. Northern Tool is Jeff’s second family.

Jeff loved the outdoors. Raining or below zero, he would fire up the grill. Gardening was a labor of love for Jeff. He already has us all set this year to grow mushrooms and potatoes in buckets.

As a family, our adventures were centered around nature all year long. On our Wisconsin Dells vacations, our time was spent on the golf course and on the lakes and rivers and in the state parks.

Jeff’s favorite sports were golfing, fishing, soccer, running and downhill skiing. He was an avid MN Wild hockey fan. Jeff was a devoted success coach for EVAA soccer. He was aways thinking and planning new drills to teach the kids.

To Jeff, family came first. Jeff’s love for his family was evident every day. He enjoyed watching Star Wars, playing Catan and building Legos with the boys.

Jeff is survived by his wife Heather. They had their first date on Dec. 21, 1991 and married on Nov. 20, 1999. They became parents on Jan. 16, 2005 when Nicholas was born and became a complete family on July 2, 2009 when Noah was born.

Jeff is also survived by his mother JoAnn; sister Julie Tufte (daughter Abigail); brothers: Jeremy and Jay; uncle Ralph Sullivan; cousins: Barb Sullivan (daughter Liliana), Dan Sullivan, wife Colleen (sons Patrick and Tommie); uncle Rick Adelmann, wife Joyce (daughter Annie.)

Other survivors include: in-laws Emmett and Char Venning; sister-in-law Jennifer Venning (daughter Lillian); brother-in-law Christopher, wife Kris (his daughters Amelie and Sophia); sister-in-law Ashley Venning Stelljes, husband Cameron (sons Cooper and Charlie); Heather’s aunts Suzanne Kloess, Beth Nicholas, Vicki Venning Malak and families.

Jeff is preceded in death by this grandparents, Lawrence and Doris Christian; aunt Joyce Sullivan and his father Joseph.

I know Jeff and his dad are already drawing up plans for their next project.

The family has asked that memorial contributions be made to a scholarship fund for Nicholas and Noah.

My dearest Jeff: Our love is unbreakable. Our love is heavenly and true. Our love created a connection that is a powerful force. You are my everything, Jeff. “I’ll hold you in my heart, until I can hold you in my arms.” – James M. Barrie. Love always, Heather.

Funeral services were held at Shepherd of the Valley in Apple Valley.