Denise Renae Adam, 65, formerly of Sioux City, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Born on December 9, 1960, in Sioux City, Denise was the fourth of seven children born to Dolores (Beck) Jaminet, with whom she shared a deep bond throughout her life.

In 1979, at the age of eighteen, Denise was united in marriage with Courtney Adam at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sioux City. Early in their eighteen-year marriage, they lived in Iowa City while Courtney attended pharmacy school and Denise pursued her associate’s degree before returning to Sioux City, where they started their family and raised their two children, Andrew and Ashley.

Denise’s life was marked by compassion, dedication, and enduring creativity. A stay-at-home mother and in-home daycare provider, Denise was known for her nurturing nature and the warm, caring environment she created not only for her own children but also for many young ones entrusted to her care. Later, she extended her compassionate service to roles in home health and caregiving, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to supporting those in need. She was especially devoted to caring for her mother, Dolores, who lived with the family.

Family was the center of Denise’s life. She created traditions that brought loved ones together, including hosting her extended family for Christmas Eve gatherings for many years. Later in life, she moved to Brandon, South Dakota, to be closer to her son, daughter-in-law, and beloved grandchildren, embracing every opportunity to spend time with them.

Denise’s creativity was a defining part of who she was. From a young age she loved sewing and making things with her hands, eventually designing and sewing her own wedding gown. That same creativity carried through the years as she created crafts and led activities at her children's school, during her daycare work, and later while spending time with her grandchildren.

Denise was always quick to help those in need, extending her care not only to family and friends but also to animals. She loved animals and cared for many beloved pets over the years, especially her cherished Chihuahuas. When flooding in Dakota Dunes left the local humane society overwhelmed, she opened her home to foster cats in need. Her home was rarely without a furry companion.

Beyond her caregiving and artistic passions, Denise was deeply involved in her children’s education, volunteering as a room mother and participating in school events, manifesting her unwavering support for Andrew and Ashley’s growth and achievements.

She also shared a love of travel, nature, and adventure with her family. When her children were young, she took them camping and exploring destinations such as the Black Hills and Yellowstone. In later years, her children returned the favor, taking her on road trips and adventures of her own, including trips to California, visits to national parks such as Arches and Zion, trips to zoos and museums, and relaxing family getaways closer to home in places like Okoboji. These travels created many treasured memories across generations.

Even in passing, Denise continued her lifelong generosity. Through the donation of her corneas, she was able to give the gift of sight to others. The family hopes this final gift may help those who receive it see the world with the same compassion and creativity that she carried throughout her life.

Denise will be remembered for her creativity, her generosity of spirit, and the warmth she brought to the lives of her family, friends, and the animals she so dearly loved.

Denise is survived by her son Andrew Adam and his wife Stacey of Brandon, South Dakota, and their children, Henry and Penny; her daughter Ashley Adam of Mountain View, California; her beloved dog Sammy; and her six siblings: Don Jaminet Jr. (Barb) of Sioux City, Iowa; Diane Plum (Roger) of Sioux City, Iowa; Doug Jaminet (Marge) of Sioux City, Iowa; Dawn Jaminet; Derinda Jaminet of Des Moines, Iowa; and Darla Axtell (Buffy) of Sioux City, Iowa. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Dolores Jaminet; her grandmother, Edith Beck; and her former husband, Courtney Adam.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel (3220 Stone Park Blvd) in Sioux City. The celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church (1122 Jackson St) in Sioux City. Following the service, there will be a luncheon and time of fellowship at the church. Burial will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of or in addition to flowers, memorial donations may be directed to Feisty Fighters or the Avera Foundation, which supported Denise during her first battle with cancer in 2021, or to another breast cancer support organization that provides direct assistance to patients and families.