George D. Hughes

It is with deep sadness that the family of George Donnell Hughes, 90, of Sister Bay, WI announces his peaceful passing on January 14, 2026 at Aurora BayCare Medical Center in Green Bay, surrounded by family and friends.

Born on April 25, 1935 in Oak Park, IL, George lived a life marked by faith, service, and devotion to both his country and his family. He was the youngest son of George and Elsie Hughes and a brother to Larry. Upon graduating from J. Sterling Morton High School in Cicero, IL in 1953, George enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served as a diesel submariner and lead electronics technician on multiple vessels, most notably, the USS Archerfish (SS-311). It was on this vessel, while in Godthaab, Greenland, George received the coveted military honor, the Silver Dolphins. This prestigious U.S. Submarine Warfare Insignia symbolizes mastery of complex shipboard systems and an unwavering dedication to the demanding submarine force. He was honorably discharged in 1973 and his military service remained a lifelong source of pride for him and his loved ones.

On June 18, 1961, George married the love of his life, Sue Raye Svec, at First Congregational Church in Berwyn, IL. The Navy relocated the couple to the East Coast where they raised four sons. After his naval retirement, the family moved back to Berwyn, and George became a participant in the boys' active lives, always cheering in the stands at football and soccer games. He even took on the challenge of coaching Little League Baseball, advancing his Berwyn Rotary team to a World Series Championship.

George worked as the Director of Building and Grounds at Michael Reese Hospital, Service Master, and was an entrepreneur, owning multiple small businesses. Upon his retirement in 2001, George and Sue Raye relocated to Door County, Wisconsin where he was a proud member of American Legion Billy Weiss Post and remained active in his church community at St. Luke's Episcopal in Sister Bay. George found great joy by volunteering at Bargains Unlimited, where his warm smile and kindness were deeply appreciated by everyone. When he wasn't serving others, he could often be found watching Nascar or cheering on his beloved Chicago White Sox and Green Bay Packers - win or lose, he remained a loyal fan.

George will be dearly missed by his wife, Sue Raye Hughes; sons, Michael (Starla) Hughes of La Grange Park, IL, Daniel (Elizabeth) Hughes of Palmetto, FL, Patrick (Ligita) Hughes of Countryside, IL, and Paul (Nancy) Hughes of Wheaton, IL; and six grandchildren, Eric, Haley (Mitchell), Zachary, Dale, Ryan and Presley; and a cherished great-granddaughter expected to arrive in February 2026, whom he eagerly awaited.

He was preceded in death by his parents George and Elsie, and brother, Larry Hughes. George's legacy of strength, his gentle spirit, and steady presence will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

A celebration of George's life will be held on April 25, 2026 Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Sister Bay. Military honors will follow at the church. 

Memorials may be given in his name to Bargains Unlimited (10578 Applewood Road, Sister Bay, WI 54234; BagainsUnlimted.org).

Casperson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, LLC in Sister Bay is assisting the Hughes family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of George may be shared with his family through his tribute page at CaspersonFuneralHome.com.

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