William Edwin

Hughes

William Edwin Hughes, born in Madison, Wisconsin, on July 27, 1935, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on May 27, 2026.

William was born to David and Hazel Hughes, who resided most of their lives in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. He was preceded in death by his three stepsiblings, Leo, Leora, and Rosina, as well as his four brothers: Bernard, Fred, Herbert, and John.

On November 15, 1958, William was united in marriage to the love of his life, Carolyn (Woock) Hughes. Together they were blessed with five children: Daniel Hughes and his wife Georgene (Borth) of Watertown, Wisconsin; Sheila DeWuske (Hughes) and her husband Tim of Mahtomedi, Minnesota; Randall Hughes and his wife Michelle (Minning) of West Bend, Wisconsin; Stephan Hughes and his wife Wendy (Marzinske) of Kronenwetter, Wisconsin; and Mark Hughes and his wife Linda (Kuske) of West Bend, Wisconsin.

William was also blessed with 10 grandchildren; Emily (Seeber), Rachel and Sarah Hughes, Christopher and Benjamin DeWuske; Courtney (Matter), Jennifer Hughes and Lindsay (Knight); Seth and Crystal Hughes and 9 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him great joy, as well as nieces, nephews, and close friends.

Following Carolyn's passing after a difficult seven-year battle with ALS, William was blessed to find love again and married Gloria Wilcox-Hughes, his beloved wife who survives him.

William also leaves behind relatives from Carolyn's family who mourn his passing, including Eleanor Klein of Beaver Dam; Richard and Donna Woock of Beloit; Eugene and Elaine Woock of Waupun; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and close friends.

William served God and country in the U.S. army in Korea.  Upon his return he delivered fuel oil for Drews Petroleum and pursued a degree in electronics.  William spent most of his life working for LaBelle Industries in Oconomowoc.  William's love and commitment to his Lord found him serving St. John's church in multiple capacities.  He taught Sunday school, served as a leader in boy Pioneers, served on boards at the church and helped maintain the Christberg Cemetery property.  William and his wife Carolyn devoted a large portion of their life sharing their love for their Savior to the deaf and hard of hearing community.  Carolyn signed which led them to start the first Division for the Hearing Impaired in the WELS to help those with loss of hearing. William's love for his Lord never faltered during some difficult physical challenges.  He left a lasting impression on his family through his famous words, 'You can never out give the Lord."

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on June 22 at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jefferson.   Visitation will be at the church from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.  The celebration of his entrance into eternal life will immediately follow as well as the interment at Christberg Cemetery.

Memorial gifts can be designated to Lakeside Lutheran High School, Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School and St. John's Lutheran Elementary School for student assistance; for WELS Mission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing; Jefferson's Rainbow Hospice.

www.claussenfuneralhome.com