John W. “Jack” Hughes
John W. “Jack” Hughes, 80, of Van Dyne, died Thursday, October 14, 2021, at Sage Meadows in Fond du Lac. He was born in Oshkosh on October 3, 1941, to William and Frances (Crossman) Hughes. Jack graduated from Oshkosh High School in in 1959, the same year he and his cousin, Jim Hughes joined the US Air Force, serving until 1963. On September 21, 1970, he married Bonnie Behrend.
Jack was a people person. He liked talking to friends and strangers alike, especially farmers. He was part-owner of Chief Equipment Implement Company in Oshkosh where he excelled in the sales division winning numerous awards. Jack learned to haggle on price and loved to get a good deal. He was a Mason, as well as a forty-year member of the Van Dyne Lion’s Club. Jack served on the club’s board of directors, including a term as president, as well as many other committees. He worked annually on the calendar raffle, walleye tournament, and was easily spotted as the bartender at many of the clubs’ events. Jack served as a Deacon and usher for First Presbyterian Church in Fond du Lac where he was a member for close to fifty years.
Jack loved all sports. In the late 1960’s, he raced stockcars throughout the state in “Ole Glory, #19” along with his cousin, Denny Hughes. Jack enjoyed watching NASCAR, the Brewers, golf, and as a season ticket holder, attending Packer games.
As an outdoorsman, Jack supported Ducks Unlimited and the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association. He spent many years traveling to Colorado elk hunt with his special friends, the Wendt Group. Jack earned the nickname “4 Shot” after many successful hunts. He spent most weekends up north at the cabin on Caldron Falls where he enjoyed fishing, as well as bear and deer hunting. Jack would look forward to his annual trips to Dickeyville for turkey hunting as well as visits to Haverlands. Both he and Bonnie enjoyed yearly cruises mostly following Jack’s favorite polka band, Molly B.
Survivors include his wife, Bonnie; three children, Lisa (Jim) Schoen, Jody (Rich) Lamb, and Jon (Rachel) Hughes; seven grandchildren, Aaron, Alyssa, Karlee, Coltin, Haddie, Lucy, and Violet; four sisters, Vicki (Jim) Haumen, Kathy (Steve) Pennau, Susan (Don) Pennau, and Julie (Frank) Williams; in-law’s, Sharon Hughes, Don (Pat) Marshall, Chuck (Barbara) Hoffman, Larry (Lisa) Behrend, and Dale (Lori) Eisner; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Larry Hughes; brother-in-law, Tom (Joanne) Karuhn.
Jack was never one to sit still as he was always on the move. In lieu of flowers, a memorial to the Van Dyne Lions Club will be established to help with the construction of a walking trail in Lion’s Park.
Visitation will take place from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Wednesday, October 20, 2021, at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 AM, Thursday, October 21, 2021, at First Presbyterian Church, 1225 4th St., in Fond du Lac with visitation from 10:00 AM until the time of service. Burial in Bethesda Cemetery, Ring, Wis., will follow with Military Funeral Honors rendered by the US Air Force.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Sage Meadows Memory Care Facility as they all held a special place in Jack’s heart and to the nurses and aides from SSM Agnesian Hospice, especially Emily.
Services are in the care of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com