David Hughes

David Hughes of Port Washington passed away unexpectedly at his residence on Monday, June 17, 2024. He was 86 years old.

David was born in Bolton, England, on Nov. 14, 1937, to Frank and Alice Hughes.

He attended the City and Guilds of London Institute, graduating as a machine shop engineer in 1959.

Following his schooling, David served two years as an engineer for the British Army and was stationed in Germany in 1960.

David met Winifred (Winnie) Ridyard on the Isle of Mann on the Irish Sea between Great Britain and Ireland at a dance. It was love at first sight. They married in Bolton on Aug. 31, 1957, and had three children in England (Janice, Steven and Paul) before moving to Wisconsin in 1967, where they had another child (Alicia).

David was a hard-working husband, loving father and generous man. Dedicated to his family and realizing the hardships in England were not what he wanted for his young family, he left his family behind, going to America with a few other young lads from England to create a better life for his family. After four months in the United States, he sent for them, and they started their next chapter in Wisconsin.

David was an excellent tool and die maker, working at Oster Corp., Albert Tool and Die, Tools Inc., Bolens Manufacturing and finished his career at KMC Stamping.

David was active with the SnowRunners LTD Snowmobile Club, numerous pool leagues and golf leagues at Edgewater Golf Course, Hawthorne Hills and Mee-Kwon, golfing right up until his passing.

David enjoyed cheering on the Badgers, Brewers and Green Bay Packers, but most important were his English soccer teams. He enjoyed coaching his two sons in soccer and watching his grandchildren play and excel in their sports.

He had a zest for fun in life and was also known to enjoy a pint or two, especially at Plier’s Full Circle and the Shipyard in Port Washington.

David and Winnie enjoyed camping, traveling and dancing and were snowbirds for more than 20 years in Panama City Beach, Fla.

He is survived by his children Janice (Perry) Obright, Steven (Leslie) Hughes, Paul (Pamela) Hughes and Alicia (Rick) Kufahl. He was a cherished grandfather to Michael (Ellie), Tony, Chris, Danielle (Kyle), Eric and Ben and loving great-grandfather of two great-grandchildren.

He is further survived by his brother-in-law John (Chris) Ridyard, niece Andrea, nephew Paul and their families, all in England, and his special friend Vikki LeDez of Canada, along with many dear snowbird friends in Florida.

David will join Winnie, who preceded him in death on Jan. 10, 2023.

The family will host a visitation for  David and Winnie at Eernisse Funeral Home, 1600 W. Grand Ave. in Port Washington on Friday, Aug. 2, 2024, from 4 to 6 p.m., with a celebration of their lives following the visitation.

Eernisse Funeral Home, Port Washington, is honored to serve the Hughes family.

Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.