Joseph ‘Joe’ Hughes
Joseph ‘Joe’ Hughes
Joseph Clement “Joe” Hughes, 73, was born to James Thomas Hughes and Elenora Ann (Wendel) Hughes at Benson, Minnesota August 12, 1953.
Joe passed away Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at Scripps Medical Center in Chula Vista, CA of natural causes. The Requiem Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Charles Catholic Church, 990 Saturn Blvd., San Diego, CA 92154 Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Joe will be laid to rest at Miramar National Veterans Cemetery in San Diego with interment to follow at a future date.
Joe attended Danvers Public School and transferred to St. Augustine Catholic Grade School in Austin, MN. He went on to graduate from Pacelli High School Class of 1971. He then attended Austin Community College graduating as an Automotive Parts Technician.
He worked for Winnebago Manufacturing in Forest City, IA and as food service delivery personnel in San Diego, CA. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1984 serving on an aircraft carrier as helicopter mechanic and was honorably discharged in 1992.
Joe met Christina “Asawa Ko” Miranda in San Diego, and they were married at St. Charles Parish Convent Chapel in Imperial Beach, CA, Saturday, February 8, 1986. They spent over 40 happy years together, traveling, taking memorable road trips, and visiting his hometown in Minnesota, a place that always remained close to his heart.
Joe had a remarkable gift for storytelling and could captivate family and friends with tale after tale, always accompanied by his warm smile, wit, and sense of humor. An avid reader, Joe also enjoyed watching classic western films, a pastime that brought him great joy and fond memories. He possessed an extraordinary memory for history, family genealogy, and details about nearly every car owned by friends and family throughout the years. He enjoyed eating a good home-cooked meal and his favorite dessert was cherry pie.
Joe is lovingly remembered by his wife, Christina “Asawa Ko” Hughes; aunt Barbara Wendel of Waverly, MN; brother-in-law, Dan Miranda; sister-in-law, Vangie Miranda; sister, Maureen (Frank) Vogel of Underwood, MN and many extended family members and cherished friends.
Joe was preceeded in death by his parents and stepdad, Ernest Winkels; father and mother-in-law; brothers Clement, Leo (Helen), Robert (Edna), and Clyde (Arlene) Hughes; sisters Iona (Irvin) Street, Eileen (Leighton) Kicker, and Lauretta (Robert) Schneider; step sister, Mary Winkels and brothers in law: Rey Miranda and Richard Nowak.
Whether sharing stories, offering a helping hand, or simply spending time with loved ones, Joe touched the lives of many through his kindness, laughter, and generous spirit. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Though he is no longer by our side, his stories, laughter, and love will live on in the hearts of those who cherished him.
“Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed, and forever dear”.
Fair winds and following seas, Joe.
Arrangements are being handled by Southbay Mortuary, 1763 Palm Avenue, San Diego, CA 92154.
