Robert Francis Hughes

Robert Francis Hughes,86, of Chatfield, Minnesota, died peacefully on Wednesday, September 3, 2014 at the Chosen Valley Care Center in Chatfield where he was a resident for 5 months.

Robert was born August 24, 1928 to James T. and Lauretta (Gallagher) Hughes in Marysland Township, near Danvers, Minnesota.  He grew up on the family farm, and enlisted in the US Navy in 1946.  He returned to the farm in 1948 until he moved to Chatfield in 1962.  He was employed at the Chatfield Hatchery as a egg truck route driver, and eventually purchased the truck route business.  Bob also worked at Chatfield Farm Service, as well as AFC (now Strongwell) until retiring in 1995.

On August 20, 1966 Robert married Edna Kay Haas at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Chatfield. Bob was  a dedicated church usher at St. Mary’s for decades.  Bob was proud of his Irish heritage, and appreciated the simpler things in life, such as coffee and visiting at the restaurant, bus trips (especially New York City, and New Orleans) pumpkin pie, car rides in the Buick and King Midget, and frequent visits to Leo and Helen’s farm.  Bob was an honorary life member of Knights of Columbus Council 2129 in Benson, MN.  Bob and Edna together enjoyed delivering Meals on Wheels in Chatfield.

Bob is survived by his wife Edna, sons Gregory and Terrence, and daughter Katy, all of Rochester. He is also survived by his brother Leo, of Chatfield, sister Lauretta Schneider of Farmington, sister Maureen (Rich) Nowak of Mapleton, and brother Joe (Tina) of San Diego.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, brother Clyde and sisters Ilene and Iona; sister in law Helen Hughes and brother in law Robert Schneider.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2014 at 11:00 AM at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Chatfield, with Fr. Patrick Arens officiating.     A visitation will be held Friday evening, September 5, 2014  from 5-7 PM at Riley Funeral Home in Chatfield and continue one hour prior to the Funeral Mass at the church.  Burial will take place at Calvary Catholic Cemetery  in Chatfield with Military Honors accorded by Chatfield VFW Post 6913.

Riley Funeral Home in Chatfield is assisting the family with arrangements.   To share condolences with the family, please visit rileyfuneralhomes.com

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