Adrian R. Sowada

August 9, 1935 - July 14, 2020

Adrian R. Sowada, 84 year old resident of Little Falls, MN passed away Tuesday, July 14, 2020 at Chateau Waters Assisted Living in Sartell, MN. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, July 24, 2020 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Little Falls, MN with Father Ben Kociemba officiating. Visitation will be held Thursday, July 23, 2020, at the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls, from 3:30 PM until 6:30 PM. The family would like to reserve the first hour Thursday evening, from 3:30-4:30 P.M, for senior guests as well as those who are disabled or underlying health concerns. There will also be a visitation one hour before mass, from 1:00-2:00 P.M, on Friday, July 24, 2020 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Little Falls, MN. MDH Guidelines limiting capacities and requiring social distancing, will be followed. Funeral arrangements are with the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls, MN. Adrian had a long and distinguished career in the teaching field, that extended over 37 years. Beginning with eight years at country school, District number 25 (1191), then as a teacher and principal in Rice, Minnesota.  Adrian rounded out his life long career with 28 years at Lincoln Elementary School in Little Falls, Minnesota. Adrian had many passions that included spending time with his grandchildren, working with his local township, hunting, fishing, woodworking, playing cards, etc.  But none were as deeply and widely rooted, as his love for music! Adrian began playing music early in life. His passion started while yet in high school, playing in a polka band. This love continued on for over 60+ years; playing with the likes of: Dave Willie Orchestra, The Polka Beats, Country Polkateers, Deutschmeisters, LaVerne and the Starlites, and many more. Adrian touched many people in his almost 85 years of life. His infectious laugh; his ability and skill to tell a great joke and his practical joking nature, will be greatly missed... by all. Adrian is survived by wife, Joann Sowada of Little Falls, MN; son, Keith (Mary Ellen) Sowada of Rice, MN; siblings, Marlene (Dr. John) Mulrooney of Winona, MN, Ramona Sowada of Addison, IL, RoseAnn (David) Munsch of Poway, CA, Lenore (Michael) Leigh of Green Valley, AZ, Dennis (Janice) Sowada of Rice, MN and Terese (Richard) Athman of Hamilton, MT; grandchildren, Cole and Elka Sowada. Adrian was preceded in death by parents, Alphonse and Monica Sowada and brother, Bishop Alphonse Sowada O.S.C.