Paul Vernon Hughes

Paul Vernon Hughes age 94, of Waunakee, formerly of Blanchardville, died on Tuesday, April 16th 2024 at BeeHive Homes in Mt. Horeb.  Paul was born August 16, 1929, to Frank and Mildred (Larson) Hughes.  He was one of nine children.  He graduated from Hollandale High School.

Paul married Mary Strand in 1952, and together they had four children; Michael, Marita, Marcine and Melissa.  They moved from Hollandale to Blanchardville in 1958 and he worked for a plumber.  Later he partnered with LeRoy Lund and they formed L & H Plumbing & Heating and Hardware.  Then Paul bought out LeRoy and formed Hughes Hardware, Plumbing and Heating and became a Master Plumber.  He served for many years on the Blanchardville Fire Department.

In 1985, he moved to the Waunakee area where he worked for Cleary Building and Architectural Metals.  After Paul retired, he worked part time for Larry “The Can Man”.  The best job he waited 60 years for was working at Pleasant View Golf Course picking up balls and making many friends. 

Paul and Mavis enjoyed bowling together in a couples league, dancing sometimes 3 times a week and card playing.  They did three cruises and traveled to Ireland for his 80th birthday.  Paul enjoyed music and playing the Banjo with The Hey-Ba-Ba-Rebas.

Paul was very proud of his Hole in One and 300 bowling game that he did within 24 hours.  He was on the Today Show and threw a strike on National TV.  He bowled on different leagues in Middleton and took a lot of special honors.  His only complaint was that “Darn 10 Pin”.

Paul is survived by his special friend, Mavis Severson, children; Mike (Terri) Hughes, Marita (David) Olson, and Marcine (Lanny) Gilbertson.  Grandchildren; Melody (Jon) Jeglum, Melissa Olson, James (Lacy) Gilbertson, Travis (Ashley) Gilbertson, Tessa (Nic Herfel) Hughes.  Great grandchildren;  Kassidi, Reese, Haiden, Jaiden, Connor, Dani, Ryder, Taylee, Ace, Kyler and Ariana.  Great great grandchild Knoxan.  His sister, Jane Nelson, brothers, Jerry (Dorothy) Hughes and Dwayne (Kay) Hughes along with many nieces and nephews.  He is further survived by Mavis’ family; Pam (Scott) Sorensen, Randy (Denise) Severson, Gary Severson and families.  He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Bob, Bill, Jack, Dick and Sam, daughter Melissa Jean and grandson Cody Olson.

A collection of photos in a memorial video can be viewed at the following link:

https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/QK7GHGS5XLT9QFC4

A visitation for Paul will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024 from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm at Blanchard Hall in Blanchardville.  A prayer service will be held at 1:00 PM.  The funeral will be livestreamed on the Saether Funeral Service Facebook page at  https://www.facebook.com/saetherfuneralservice  A private family burial will follow at the Calvary Cemetery in Blanchardville.  A reception will follow at Husie’s Bar & Grill in Blanchardville.  Saether Funeral Service of Blanchardville is assisting the family.  Online memories and condolences can be shared with the family at saetherfuneralservice.com.

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