Calvin Robert Hughes

Hughes, Calvin R. COTTAGE GROVE- Calvin R. Hughes, age 70, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2014. Cal was born on March 10, 1944, in Madison, Wis., to parents Elvin and Elizabeth (Boyle) Hughes. He was raised on a farm in rural Darlington; attending Johnny Cake, a one-room schoolhouse and graduating from Darlington High School in 1962. Cal spent time at UW-Platteville before being drafted into the U.S. Army in 1965. He honorably served in Vietnam as an assistant gunner until 1967. After his service in Vietnam, Cal moved to Madison, Wis., where he met his wife, Sylvia Dischler, of Plain, Wis. They were married in Plain on Oct. 18, 1969, and later set roots in Cottage Grove where they raised their two children, Eric and Roxanne. Cal began a 25 year career with the airlines and then 14 years with the Madison School District before retiring in 2009. Cal was a true outdoorsman and loved autumn. He thoroughly enjoyed spending time on his 40 acres of land in rural Darlington, a parcel of the family farm where he grew up. He was an avid camper, turkey hunter and bow hunter. He entertained everybody with his animated storytelling and infectious laugh. Cal loved sports, especially football and cheered on the Packers, Brewers and Badgers. His prize possession was his first car, a 1971 Chevelle, which he worked on and adored. Cal was the neighborhood computer guru and loved spending his free time following his favorite political blogs. Most importantly, Cal cherished his four grandchildren. He loved cheering on each child in their numerous sporting and theater events. He was lovingly known as Papa Cal and Uncle Buck. Cal is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 45 years, Sylvia; son, Eric (Becca) Hughes of Brookfield, Wis.; and their children, Riley, Corey and Toby; daughter, Roxanne (Scott) Lindquist of Maple Grove, Minn.; and their son, Calvin; sisters, Rita (Bill) Henquinet of Peshtigo, Wis., and Myrna (Sam) Conway of Monroe, Wis. He is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of wonderful friends and neighbors. A funeral service with full military honors will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2014. A visitation will be held at the funeral home, from 1 p.m. until the time of the service on Thursday. Private inurnment will be at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420