JoAnn Hughes

JoAnn R. Hughes, age 90, of New Prague, died unexpectedly at her home on Saturday, August 31, 2024. JoAnn was born in Minneapolis on June 23, 1934, to Roy and Inez (Lindberg) Bartosh. JoAnn graduated from Roosevelt High School in Minneapolis, where she met the young man, who would become her husband. She married Ronald J. Hughes on October 27, 1954, and they raised their family of four daughters in the Bloomington/Minneapolis area for most of their lives, moving to New Prague in 2000.

JoAnn was the epitome of a successful, amazing homemaker, always prioritizing her family as the center of her life! To her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she was “JoJo”! She was gentle, sweet and kind, loved everybody, and was the most loving mother and mother-in-law. She was a voracious reader, devouring mysteries, often a book a day! She enjoyed all types of puzzles, whether crossword or jigsaw puzzles. For the past 20 years, every Tuesday was designated as “Game Day” and JoAnn looked forward to it with relish, keeping a journal, noting who won, who was present as a guest, and any anecdotes that might have happened during a given game. In recent years, Dolly, her favorite kitty companion kept her company. Estate and garage sales were a favorite activity, up to the very last day of her life when she had gone out with her daughter that day. It is said that the eyes are the window to the soul. JoAnn’s eyes certainly reflected her nature in hers! Her gentle presence will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

JoAnn is survived by her daughters, RoxAnne “Roxie” (Dave) Currier of Minneapolis, Cynthia “Cindy” (Tim) Giles of Northfield, Sandra “Sandy” (Don) Martindale of Eau Claire, WI; son-in-law, Mark Andren of Dennison; 10 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild on the way; brother, jack Bartosh of Brainerd. She is preceded in death by her husband, Ron, on July 7, 2013; daughter, Pamela Andren.

Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday, September 6, 2024, at 10:00 AM at Bruzek Funeral Home with MaryCarol Wolf officiating. Visitation will take place 1 hour prior, from 9-10 AM. Burial will occur at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery at 11:30 AM.