Soo Line: A Lifetime of Serving Others: Hudson’s 2026 Parade Marshal, Louie Adams

by Soo Greiman  

One of the toughest tasks the Hudson Days Committee faces each year is selecting a deserving member of  the community to serve as Parade Marshal. Once again, they found someone who is undeniably worthy of  the honor: Louie Adams.  

Among the many hats he has worn during a lifetime of serving others are dedicated family man, 20-year  volunteer with the Hudson Fire Department, professional paramedic for 43 years, paramedic instructor  and, more recently, weekend grill master at Randall’s grocery store.  

Now it’s my pleasure to tell you a little more about Louie.  

Hudson’s 2026 Parade Marshal was born and raised in the small southern Iowa town of Mount Ayr.  During his high school years, he attended Oakdale Christian High School in Kentucky, graduating in  1980. He then enrolled at Central Christian College in McPherson, Kansas, where he graduated in 1982.  

Originally, Louie trained to become a youth pastor. While attending college, however, a young woman  named Heidi caught his eye.  

Interested in getting to know her, Louie admitted with a smile, “She didn’t really care for me too much.”  

Sometime later, after relocating to Waterloo, completing paramedic training at Hawkeye Community  College, earning his EMT certification and beginning work as a paramedic at Sartori Hospital, he  received some surprising news. A mutual friend told him “that girl Heidi” was now attending the  University of Northern Iowa.  

“I called her,” Louie recalled. “We talked and soon were dating, which we did for several years. The rest  is history.”  

After marrying, Louie and Heidi made their home in Waterloo. While Louie continued his work as a  paramedic for Sartori Hospital, now MercyOne, and taught paramedic classes at Hawkeye Community  College, Heidi operated a daycare from their home. As an adjunct instructor, Louie also trained  paramedics for the Waterloo Fire Department and other emergency service agencies.  

Their family grew in 1992 with the birth of their son, Noah, followed by daughter Emily in 1993. A short  time later, the family moved to Hudson so Heidi could expand her daycare business in a larger home. The  move also gave Louie the opportunity to join the Hudson Fire Department.  

Years later, Noah graduated from Hudson High School in 2010, followed by Emily in 2011.  “Nowadays both are doing well,” Louie said proudly.  

Noah, who earned several college degrees, now serves in the U.S. Army and lives in Sierra Vista,  Arizona. Emily, who earned degrees from both the University of Iowa and the University of Northern  Iowa, lives in Minnesota, where she works for a company that purchases commercial real estate and  business properties.  

Although Heidi’s life included many wonderful moments, it was also marked by tremendous challenges.  After being diagnosed with cancer in 2004, Louie faithfully drove her to weekly treatments at  MercyOne’s Cancer Treatment Center on Ridgeway Avenue for nearly 20 years. Heidi passed away in  July 2024. 

Last November, Louie retired after a remarkable 43-year career as a paramedic, although he continues  working part time for MercyOne.  

Before retirement, however, another unexpected challenge arose.  

In February, Louie was diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer.  

“Now I go to the same place my wife went for her cancer battle. Everybody there knows my name,” he  said. Then, with his characteristic dry sense of humor, he added, “I know there’s got to be a country song  somewhere about that.”  

Turning serious again, Louie described his cancer treatments as among the most difficult experiences of  his life.  

Despite everything, he remains grateful for the people who continue to surround him with support.  

“Hanging out with my fire department friends is probably my most frequent and favorite activity,” he  said. “Another great support I have are my friends at the AMVETS, The Hive and Federal Pub. They help  me get through the challenges.”  

A lifelong camping enthusiast, Louie hopes to spend more time outdoors.  

“I’m planning on doing more camping with my friend, Britney,” he said. “She’s been kind enough to go  with me to every chemotherapy appointment and has become another important part of my support  system as I fight cancer.”  

Looking ahead also gives Louie something to anticipate. He hopes to travel to Sierra Vista to visit Noah  and his growing family as they prepare to welcome a second grandchild.  

Closer to home, you’ll still find him most Saturdays grilling steak sandwiches and other favorites outside  Randall’s grocery store.  

After more than four decades of answering emergency calls, serving his community and quietly helping  others, Louie Adams has spent a lifetime putting people first. This year, it’s Hudson’s turn to honor him as  the 2026 Hudson Days Parade Marshal.