Jerry W. Hughes

Jerry W. Hughes, age 83, of Menomonie, WI, passed away on Monday, September 8, 2025, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Menomonie.

Jerry was born on July 20, 1942, in Menomonie, WI, to John and Gladys (Schuller) Hughes. He grew up in Menomonie and graduated from Menomonie High School in 1961. He married Hazel Gamble of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada. Together they were blessed with two children, five grandchildren, and three great-granddaughters.

Jerry farmed for many years until 1983, when he began his career as an operating engineer. Over the years he worked as a heavy equipment operator, job foreman, and superintendent, overseeing many major road and building projects. Even after retirement, he enjoyed helping run equipment on the Ron Prochnow family farms.

Jerry had a wide range of interests. He was an avid fan of football, especially the Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers, and Menomonie High School teams, and he enjoyed tractor pulls and car races. In 1974, he was proud to be named the State Farm Class Champion at the Dairy Expo Tractor Pull. Jerry was an active member of the community, belonging to the Farm Bureau, Moose Lodge, and the Knapp Lions Club, where he served two years as president. He and Hazel enjoyed traveling, visiting nearly 40 states and much of Canada, and since 2009 they wintered in Nevada.

Jerry was the kind of man if he found you in need, would give the shirt off his back without a second thought. His heart was generous, his presence calming and his unwavering friendships. Known for his quiet strength and kind spirit. Jerry made everyone around him feel cared for and welcome and was known for his great sense of humor and love of telling jokes.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife Hazel; children, Lisa (Arlo) Frank and Curtis (Tressa) Hughes; grandchildren, Albrie (Adam) Falch, Larissa (Sean) Taylor, Shane Hughes, Kylie Hughes, and Gabriella Hughes; great-grandchildren, Raelyn, Taya, and Sadie Falch; siblings, Shirley (John) Phillipps, Donna Wahl, Roger (Marg) Hughes, Jack (Rene’) Hughes, Nancy Konchal, and Linda (Eric) Turner; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents John and Gladys Hughes, sister Jeannine, brother Ronald, mother and father in-law Sarah and Norval Gamble, and grandson Colten Hughes.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 15, 2025, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Menomonie with Pastor Sarah Miller officiating. The service will be livestreamed through the churches YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@oursaviorslutheranmenomoni6865). Visitation will be held from 2:00–5:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at Olson Funeral Home, and also one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will take place at Forest Hill Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association in Jerry’s memory.

To share a memory, please visit obituaries at www.olsonfuneral.com