John “Jack” Hughes, 90, of Dodgeville, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully in his home on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, surrounded by his large and loving family.
Jack was born on March 31, 1936, in Elmwood Park, IL, to John and Athel Susan Frost Hughes. He graduated with the first graduating class at Beloit Catholic High School and went on to proudly serve in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Allen M. Sumner (DD-692). Following his military service, he graduated from the Milwaukee School of Engineering and had a distinguished career at Motorola.
Jack was known for his unwavering devotion to family, quick wit, and enduring love for his wife of 66 years, Mary Jean. Their marriage was the cornerstone of his life. They had a partnership marked by loyalty, faith, and steadfast support. Together, they modeled inspirational love.
Jack found joy in simple pleasures: traveling, caring for his yard, cheering on his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and gathering with loved ones for a game of euchre, Horse & Pfeffer, a card trick, and plenty of laughter.
A man of deep faith and service, Jack was a devoted member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Dodgeville. He faithfully sang in the church choir, and volunteered with both the Lions Club and the Knights of Columbus. He also cherished his daily coffee gatherings and lively political conversations. Above all, Jack will be remembered as someone who balanced humor and sincerity.
Jack is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Mary Jean; his seven children, Marcia (Andrew) Banike, Paul (Sue) Hughes, Cathy (Russ) Kalp, Dan Hughes, Pat (Chris) Hughes, Doug (Ann) Hughes and Jeff (Leslie) Hughes; a bonus son, Dave Calzaretta; 25 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; sister Helen McCarthey; brother and sister in-law Mark (Sarah) Weier as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, William and Theresa Weier; his sisters, Dorothy Cooper and Pat (Ken) Krosko; his brother and sister-in-law Jack (Jackie) Weier; niece, Sandy Peer; nephew, Tim Weier; and his great-grandson, Silas Hughes Stiller.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, June 8, 2025 at ST. JOSEPH’S CATHOLIC CHURCH in Dodgeville. Father Tafadzwa Kushamba officiated. Burial was held in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, with Military Honors accorded by the Dodgeville Area Veterans. Visitation was held from 9:00 a.m. until 11:10 a.m. on Monday at ST. JOSEPH’S CATHOLIC CHURCH.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Jack’s honor to Upland Hills Hospice, 109 W Fountain Street, Dodgeville, WI 53533 (to recognize Dr. Jodie McGraw and her team) or to St. Joseph’s School, 305 E Walnut St, Dodgeville, WI 53533 or to Badger Honor Flight, PO Box 258066, Madison, WI 53725.
Mary Jean and the Hughes family invite all who knew and loved Jack to join them in celebrating a life marked by faith, family, and love.
Gorgen-McGinley & Ayers Funeral Home
www.gorgenfh.com