HUGHES, Gary Charles 1937-2006

HUGHES, SWEHLA, MILLER, TUFTS, HALVORSON, PETERS, CHIPP, THOMS

Posted By: S. Bell
Date: 4/22/2013 at 23:49:06

[Waterloo Courier, Tuesday, August 22, 2006]

Gary Charles Hughes was born Sept. 22, 1937, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Patrick Charles Hughes and Marcella Josephine (Swehla) Hughes. When Gary was young, his family lived in New Hampton, Iowa, where he attended St. Joseph School. They later moved to Waterloo, Iowa, where he attended St. John's School, East Junior High and East High School, graduating in 1955. Gary served in the United States Marine Corps and was honorably discharged Aug. 10, 1961.

Gary was united in marriage to Marilyn Sue "Suze" Miller, April 23, 1958, in Waterloo, and later divorced. They had two daughters. On July 17, 1965, Gary and Judy Georgene Tufts were united in marriage at the First Christian Church in Rochester, Minn. They had three daughters. They made their home in Waterloo where Gary worked for Miller Brewing Co., Hamm's Brewing Co., and Fahr Beverage, retiring in August of 1999 after 29 years. Gary became very close to his customers throughout the years and cherished the friendships that he had made with them.

He was a member of Central Christian Church, the International Order of the King's Daughters and Sons, Elks Lodge and was president of the Chautauqua Park Neighborhood Association.

He loved to fish with his daughters and grandchildren. Gardening, manicuring the lawn, feeding the birds and ducks, and watching the St. Louis Cardinals play baseball were amongst the things he also loved to do.

On March 17, 1994, Gary began a battle with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and acute lymphocytic leukemia. Throughout the next 12 years he committed himself to inspire others while he fought the disease, adopting the motto "Never Give Up." On Saturday, Aug. 19, 2006, he passed away at Allen Memorial Hospital, at the age of 68.

He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Lauri Raejean Hughes.

His memory is cherished by his wife, Judy; daughters: Melissa Lea (Jerry) Halvorson of Kasson, Minn., Melanie Maree Peters and Shelley Kathleen (Lewis) Chipp, both of Waterloo, Kelli Sue Hughes of Fond du Lac, Wis.; four grandchildren: Mickaela and Blaine Halvorson, and Brandon and Brennen Chipp; and a sister, Joan (Charles) Thoms of Waterloo. Gary will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

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