Hugh E. Jelley

Hugh E. Jelley, age 95 of Hastings, died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday evening, December 19, 2018. Hugh Elroy, was born on February 20, 1923, in Hastings. Following his graduation from Hastings High School with the class of 1941, Hugh enlisted in the United States Navy and joined the Seabees. He was later granted an honorable discharge. After his discharge, Hugh continued his education at Macalester College and later graduated from the University of Minnesota with a masters degree. Hugh was a longtime pipefitter for Local 455 Pipefitters Union. In 1967, he established and taught the Pipefitters Program at St. Paul Technical College, and later retired in 1986. On January 2, 1954, Hugh was united in marriage to June Almquist at First Baptist Church in Hastings and were blessed with sixty-four years of marriage. Hugh was a dedicated U of M Gopher Football and Basketball fan. He enjoyed golfing with friends, bowling, and his daily trips around town for his son Scotts Dairy Queen. Hugh was a lifelong member of River of Life Church where he held various Leader roles over the years. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth (Lidstrom) Jelley; and by his brother, Herb Jelley. Hugh is survived by his wife, June; children, Sandi (Kevin) Weaver and Scott (Vicky) Jelley; grandchildren, Chad (Tonja) Weaver, Chase (Dra) Weaver, Christian Weaver, Lauren Jelley, and Brooke Jelley; great grandchildren, Braylon and Makenzie June Weaver; and by many other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday morning, December 22, 2018, at River of Life Church in Hastings, with Pastor Steve Schoenwald officiating. Interment will follow at Lakeside Cemetery in Hastings. Family and friends are cordially invited to a visitation from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Saturday morning at church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Local Pipefitters 455 Scholarship, River of Life Church, or to the Donors Choice in memory of Hugh. Arrangements are being completed by Caturia, Smidt Starkson Funeral Home Crematory of Hastings.