William S. "Bill" Hughes

Northview ~ North Mankato Mortuary 2060 Commerce Drive North Mankato, MN 56003 (507) 388-2288

William S. “Bill” Hughes, age 96, of rural Lake Crystal, died Saturday, December 5, 2015, at Pathstone Living in Mankato.

Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 8, 2015, at Northview – North Mankato Mortuary, 2060 Commerce Drive, North Mankato. Graveside service will be held at 9:30 a.m., Tuesday at Jerusalem Cemetery, rural Lake Crystal.

William was born November 16, 1919 to William S. III and Myrtle Iola (Nelson) Hughes on the family farm in Butternut Township, Blue Earth County. Bill was united in marriage to his soulmate, Helen L. Lunde on June 27, 1942 in Lake Crystal. They had two daughters. As a young man he had a prize winning herd of Holstein Dairy Cows and later in life he raised Columbia sheep. Bill farmed all his life, always looking for extra custom jobs to help provide for his family. Upon retiring, Bill and Helen spent three months each winter for 9 years in Hawaii. Helen loved to travel – Bill would do anything for her. Bill cared for Helen for 15 years when she became ill. Bill and Helen enjoyed antiquing and he enjoyed working with numbers.

Left is mourn his loss are his two daughters, Gretchen Hughes of Savage and Bronwyn Hughes of Mankato; sister-in-law, Ruth Lunde of Fargo, ND; several nieces, nephews, and friends.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Helen on July 3, 2003; and three sisters, Jean, Lillian, and Constance.

He will be remembered as the guy who wore shades and was always pedaling his bike down County Road 11.