John A. Hughes

John A. Hughes, 85, Grand Forks, ND, passed away Wednesday, June 14, 2023 in Altru Hospital of Grand Forks.

John Armen Hughes was born November 14, 1937 in Grand Forks, the son of Thomas and Marie (Haugen) Hughes. He was raised and educated in Grand Forks and graduated from Central High School in 1955. John’s first job was as an apprentice brick layer. In November 1955, he joined the U.S. Army. Most of his service time was spent in Germany. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to Grand Forks.

John married Delories Peterson on February 22, 1958. They lived in Grand Forks where John worked as a brick layer and later a crane operator for Ulvedal Construction. In 1971, John founded United Rental and Construction Co. which later became United Crane and Excavation.

John and Delories enjoyed many years at their lake home on Island Lake near Lengby, MN. They also spent winter months in Beaumont, CA for 15 years. John enjoyed golf, hunting with his sons, and any time with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Delories, Grand Forks; sons, Gregory (Cindy), Grand Forks and Steven (Cindy), Medina, MN; daughter-in-law, Joline Hughes, Grand Forks; grandchildren, Jared, Brittany, Jonathan, Joshua, Julia, Carlie, Kaitlyn and Jacob; Great grandchildren, Ellie Watson, Noah Horn; and a sister, Christine Sandlie, Kent, WA.

John was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Gary; brothers, Tony, Alvin and Donald; and sisters Mary and Mildred

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at Immanuel Lutheran Church of Grand Forks. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM with a 7:00 PM prayer service at Amundson Funeral Home of Grand Forks. Visitation will continue for the hour before the service in the church. Burial will be in Memorial Park South Cemetery, Grand Forks. Military honors will be provided by the North Dakota Army National Guard, The American Legion Post #157 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars #3817.