Four generations of the Flemming family celebrated Adeline’s (middle) 100th birthday at Whispering Creek on December 21. L-R…grandson Jesse and granddaughter Charlotte, Adeline, daughter Marilyn.
On December 21, the Park Road Plaza at Whispering Creek was transformed into a scene of joy and nostalgia as family, friends, and residents gathered to celebrate a rare and remarkable milestone: the 100th birthday of Adeline Flemming. Affectionately known to everyone as “Ade,” the centenarian marked a century of life surrounded by the people she loves, complete with a traditional spread of birthday cake and punch.
Adeline’s story is inextricably linked to the Janesville area. The youngest of six siblings, she lived at the family farm near Smiths Mill for the majority of her long and prosperous life. The Flemming family legacy was not just a place of work, but the heart of a three-generation family with deep roots as the official deed for the land, which is still in Ade’s possession, dates back to 1873.
In her younger years, she was a caregiver to many—looking after parents, siblings, and friends with the same devotion she gave her own three children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. While she was a dedicated farm wife—marrying her husband Alvin in 1956—Flemming also carved out a prolific career in finance. She spent many years working at the Janesville State Bank, a credit union in Mankato, and as an accountant with H&R Block.
Her meticulous nature in the office translated perfectly to the kitchen and the card table. She is known as a master of Hand and Foot and Pfeffer, but her true skills lie in whipping up delicious meals for her family and friends. For decades, the Flemming household was the center of holiday festivities with Ade hosting three-course dinners made entirely from scratch. She was never afraid to experiment, though some traditions remained sacred—such as her “Glorified Rice,” a beloved mixture of cooked rice, whipped cream, and fruit.
With 100 years of memories to sort through, Flemming has witnessed the world transform in a multitude of ways. She fondly recalls her childhood at the school in Smiths Mill and the simple magic of Christmas time, where a massive snow pile served as the neighborhood’s premier sledding hill. Though she has never set foot on an airplane, her curiosity took her across the country where she toured the White House, visited the Statue of Liberty, and walked through Ellis Island. While memories of a possible face-to-face with President Reagan are now fleeting, the impact of those travels remains.
Despite moving to Whispering Creek just one year ago, Flemming has found a vibrant community including a pair of women, Leona (102) and Ruth (107), who are also members of the Century Club. The three are close friends, and who knows how they intend to celebrate Ade’s milestone. She isn’t the only one in the “Century Club” there; she counts Leona (101) and Ruth (107) among her close friends. As the celebration at Park Road Plaza wound down, Adeline reflected on the long journey from the 19th-century family deed to the present day, “It’s been a very good life,” she said. “I didn’t know I’d make it to 100, but I’m happy my friends and family are here to celebrate with me.”
When asked about her secret to longevity, Fleming credits the grit of rural life. “Living on the farm keeps you active,” she remarked with a smile, adding that “staying out of trouble” certainly helped her reach the triple digits. Congratulations on reaching the century mark, Adeline!
