William E. "Bill" Hughes

Mass of Christian burial for William E. “Bill” Hughes, age 71, of Battle Creek, will be at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Norfolk. Reverend Brian Hula will be the celebrant, with interment in St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery in Battle Creek.

The Mass will be livestreamed on the funeral home website.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., Monday, June 8, 2026, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Battle Creek.

Steffen Mortuary in Battle Creek is in charge of arrangements.

Surrounded by family, Bill passed away on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at Faith Health in Norfolk, Nebraska.

William E. “Bill” Hughes was born May 10, 1955, in Norfolk, Nebraska to Jerry and Nancy (Higbee) Hughes.

In 1973, Bill graduated from Battle Creek High School where he was active in football, basketball, wrestling, and track. Following graduation, he attended South Dakota State University from 1973 to 1975 and played football for the Jackrabbits. After returning home to Battle Creek, he began working for John Volk. During that time, he was introduced to the sport of bull riding, an experience he remembered fondly throughout his life.

Bill continued his education at Wayne State College from 1976 to 1978 where he played football for the Wildcats. It was at Wayne State that he met the love of his life, Connie, a young gal from Iowa. On March 24, 1979, Bill and Connie Wurr were united in marriage at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Auburn, Iowa. Their marriage was blessed with two sons, Chuck and Nick. Together they built their life in Battle Creek, where Bill worked as a lineman for Elkhorn Rural Public Power District for 43 years, retiring in July 2021.

Bill was deeply committed to his community, his church, and Battle Creek Public Schools. He served on the Battle Creek Fire and Rescue Department for 14 years and was an active parishioner of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and was currently serving on the St. Patrick’s Cemetery board, taking great pride in helping maintain the cemetery grounds alongside fellow parishioners.

Bill’s dedication to Battle Creek Public School spanned decades, Bill served on the school board for 24 years including 20 years as board president. For approximately 35 years he volunteered to run the scoreboard for countless sporting events, forming friendships with athletes, referees, and coaches along the way. He also volunteered as a high school football coach and spent many years playing town team baseball, forming close friendships and memories that lasted a lifetime. Each February he looked forward to the Nebraska state wrestling tournament where he served as a NSAA wrestling scorekeeper for 35 years. He often said “he had the best seat in the house” for that event.

Bill, an avid Chicago Bears fan, was also known for his beloved Halloween tradition, handing out football and baseball cards to trick or treaters. Children throughout town looked forward to stopping at his home each year.

Above all, Bill cherished his role as a grandfather. He loved cheering on his grandkids and took immense pride in watching them grow, learn, and succeed in everything they pursued. Their accomplishments brought him tremendous joy, and he never missed an opportunity to support them.

Bill’s life was defined by service, loyalty and love for his family and community, his presence, leadership, and kindness will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Connie; his mother, Nancy of Battle Creek; his sons, Chuck (Jaime) Hughes of Norfolk and Nick (Emily) Hughes of Battle Creek; grandchildren, Jailynn, Easton, Makenna, Mikayla, and Mallory; siblings, Pat (Barb) Hughes of Greeley, CO, John (Sharon) Hughes of Volga, SD, Jim (Maria) Hughes of Bellevue, Tom (Jean) Hughes of Tilden, Mary (Joe) Carney of Gretna, Bob (Catherine) Hughes of Dublin, Ireland, Pete Hughes of Lincoln, and Paul (Nieves) Hughes of Norfolk; sister-in-law, Colleen Overton of Benbrook, TX; aunt, Polly Fischer of Omaha, NE; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by his father, Jerry; his in-laws, Richard and Annette Wurr; and brother-in-law, Doug Wurr.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.homeforfuneralsinc.com.

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