Service Information
Colten “Colt” C. Hughes, age 28, of Silver Lake, Minnesota, passed away on Sunday, July 26, 2020, at Hutchinson Health.
Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2020, at 1:30 P.M., at the McLeod County Veterans Memorial Park: 255 1st Ave NE, Hutchinson, MN. Please bring your own lawn chair for the service. Interment will take place at a later date.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be held Friday, August 14, 2020, from 5:00 – 8:00 P.M., at the Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson and will continue one hour prior to the service at the McLeod County Veterans Memorial Park.
Military Honors by the Hutchinson Memorial Rifle Squad.
Immediately following the memorial service, you are invited to the VFW to share a toast in memory of Colt.
Obituary
Colten “Colt” Curtis Hughes was born on November 17, 1991, in Lacrosse, Wisconsin. He was the son of Curtis and Tressa (Trailer) Hughes. Colt was baptized as an infant and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth at Faith Lutheran Church in Hutchinson. He received his education at Ridgewater College in Hutchinson and later attended Aberystwyth University in Wales, United Kingdom for Business Management.
Colt proudly served in the Minnesota National Guard. He later entered active military service in the United States Army on May 24, 2011, in Hutchinson, and served his country during the Persian Gulf Era. He received an Honorable Discharge on October 15, 2013, at Fort Carson, Colorado.
On October 12, 2019, Colt was united in marriage to Gabriela Bernadetta Pytel on Lake Minnetonka. Colt and Gabriela resided in Silver Lake, Minnesota.
Colt was employed as a Supply Chain Analyst at 3M in Hutchinson. He was a proud member of the VFW Post 906 in Hutchinson.
Colt was truly known for his kind heart and never-ending smile, which brightened everyone’s day. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, hunting, fishing, and traveling. He also enjoyed grilling and growing vegetables. Colt was a proud Green Bay Packer stockholder and season ticket holder. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Colt had many dear friends and family, but his dearests were Ryan and Alexandria, Ryan was his best man and Colt was Ryan’s.
Colt passed away on Sunday, July 26, 2020, at Hutchinson Health, at the age of 28 years. Blessed be his memory.
Colt is survived by his:
Wife, Gabriela Hughes of Silver Lake, MN;
Parents, Curtis and Tressa Hughes of Silver Lake, MN;
Siblings, Shane Hughes of Minneapolis, MN,
Kylie Hughes of Lacrosse, WI;
Sisters-In-Law, Ula Pytel of Perth, Australia,
Edyta Mosz and her husband, Michael, of Bielsko, Poland;
Nieces, Julia and Olivia Mosz of Bielsko, Poland;
Mother-In-Law, Halina Pytel of Bielsko, Poland;
Grandparents, Jerry Hughes and his wife, Hazel, of Menomonie, WI,
Andy Tylka of Holmen, WI,
Ellen Tylka of Onalaska, WI,
Norm Trailer of Lacrosse, WI;
Many other relatives and friends.
Colt is preceded in death by his Father-In-Law, Edward Pytel.
Colby Mickolichek says
Colt was a guy anyone could talk to, he had a love for many things. Motorcycles, Beers, Military, and most importantly his Family, friends and his Wife. He and I would spend many VFW nights talking about the future, Colt had big plans and ambitions, He was ready to start the rest of his life with Gaba. He wanted to teach and experience so many things with her. I Know Colt is serving a Higher purpose now, but he will never leaver out hearts and minds. We all would improve our lives if we could be a little more like Colten Hughes.
Tim and Dawn Halverson says
Curtiss, Tessa and family;
Our deepest sympathies!
We do not have the words to tell you how sorry we are to have heard this sad news.
We hope you feel our love and hugs. May God bless you and comfort you in this difficult time.
Tim and Dawn Halverson
Kristine says
So sorry for your loss. Keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers during this tough time.
Derek Anders-Turner says
Today, we remember how precious life is. You leave behind loved ones and friends to carry on cherished memories. I appreciated our time together at drill and later in Iraq. The lives you touched are those left to remember you. Rest In Peace brother. – Turner
Kaly says
Curtis and Tressa and family;
So sorry for your loss! Keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Our condolences
JR & Kaly Rannow
Mike Daak says
Thoughts and prayers go out to Curtis and the Hughes family in the difficult time.
Francisca Linares says
Curtis and tressa I am so sorry for your loss and my most honest sympathy forvyour family.
Keith and Mary Wagner says
Curtis and Tressa and family, our heart breaks for you. You’re in our prayers.
Kathy Bogatzki says
Tressa, Cutriss, and Family, My Heart is so Heavy with sadness. Colton is one of a kind. Sending Prayers and Strength to Everyone.
Brian Anderson says
I recently met Colt when he became HPT Analysts, I truly enjoyed working with Colt, he will be missed very sorry to the entire family and friends of Colt for their loss.
Jeff siedschlag says
Roxann and I send our deepest sympathies. He was a laid back guy. A big clown sometimes. It was great sharing times in the Scouts with Colt. He grew to be a very nice young man. The world will miss him!
Bridget says
Curt, Tressa, Shane and Kylie,
I don’t have the words to express the sadness I feel at the loss of Colton. I still play the Irish Music CD he made for me back on Jefferson St.! Things like this are not supposed to happen – and it’s so hard not to be angry. I have to believe the God had a reason for taking Colt, and I will be praying constantly that all of you find peace and understanding somehow. Please let me know if there is anything I can do. I love you all and share in your smiles when you remember Colt. He will be a happy memory for me forever.
Bridget Gran-Ide
Delcie Jensen says
There are no words to express the hurt in all of our hearts! Colten was such a loving, caring, thoughtful, strong person. Our other son! What an example to us all to in many aspects of life. In scouts he was like everyone’s big brother, always had a sense of humor and made it fun. A true and royal friend. College in Wales! What a dream & goal you made happen. Aberystwyth is such a beautiful place to study. So happy you got to live the life. You met your beautiful wife there. So happy you found the love of your life.
We will treasure all the fun times & memories we have of you.
RIP my dearest Colten. Love you always.
Marj and Nic Frieler says
Curtiss and family, so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Darlene Cartwright says
So sorry for your loss! Praying for strength for you and your family.
Gene and Darlene Cartwright
Stephanie Shimer says
Curtis, Tressa, Gabriela, and Family, so sorry to hear about Colten! He was a great guy! Prayers to all of you!
The Shimer Family
Kris (Tangney) Roou says
Tressa, (Curt and family)
It’s been several years since I have seen you but certainly remember “Tressa Trailer” and days in LaCrosse with my sister Andi. I can’t imagine your sadness-I just can’t. I want you to know I am thinking and praying for you and your family.
Kris (Tangney) Roou
Keith and Mary Wagner says
Curtis and Tessa
So sorry for your loss.
We’re not home but want you to know you’re in our prayers.
Lynn Aalfs says
So sorry for your loss! Thoughts and prayers for you and your family!
Tim Lundstrom says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. So sorry for your loss. Tim and Carol Lundstrom
Karen Ruble says
To the family of Colten, so sorry for your loss. May God rap you in his arms during this time of loss.
Karen
Jan Johnson says
My heart hurts for the loss of this special young man. I got to know Colten at the VFW. The first time he came in for a meeting, I carded him, saw his last name, looked at him and said, Curtis must be your Dad, you look just like him! He laughed and said he hears that a lot. Every 1st and 2nd Tuesday night, I had the pleasure to serve him a few beers! Always polite, thanking me and calling me ma’am. Then he’d smile and add Jan. I will miss you Colten, Tuesday nights won’t be the same without you. Love and prayers to my friend Curtis, Tressa, and family, you raised a fine young man.
Shawn Kardell says
Tressa, Curt, and family, we are so sorry to hear of the loss of Colten. I will remember what a smiley, happy guy he was during those summer vacations that seem so long ago. You have our sincere sympathies.
Rick,Mary Wilke says
Curtis, Tressa, and family, so sorry for your loss. Our sympathy, thoughts, and prayers are with you all. Rick and Mary Wilke
Lois Chalupsky says
My deepest sympathy and prayers for you and your family, Curtis.
Julie Trick says
Tressa, Curtis, and family
I am so sorry for your loss. With heartfelt sympathy.
Julie Trick
Karen L. Severson says
I cannot imagine what you are going through – I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Godspeed Colten.
Michael Reusse says
Colten was such a happy guy. He would make your day just talking to him. I will miss our times training, and our time together on deployment in Iraq. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. He will be missed dearly. RIP Colten.
Sharon Ruchti says
Sorry For Your Loss Curtis Thoughts And Prayers
Phyllis Neubarth says
So sorry for your loss! My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sue Opsahl says
Tressa and family,
Sorry for the loss of your dear son. Sending prayers. Sue
Joni Shamla says
Keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers . . . So very sorry for your loss.
Donna Engelen says
My sympathies. Hugs!
Mark Lewandowski says
I am so sorry for your loss. Colt was a great guy to work with. He will be missed.
Jean Oleson says
I can’t believe it…I just can’t believe this happened! My heart breaks for you all..
Virtual hugs and many prayers go out to the entire Hughes family!
A true example of how short life can be….
Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Bill and Dede Hard says
Dear Curtis, Tressa and family,
Our hearts break for you for the loss of dear Colton. Thank you for all the times you welcomed Kevin in to your home so he could spend times with his best buddy. Those memories will be treasured for a lifetime, and many lives are richer and fuller because Colton remains in their hearts and minds. Blessings to you and your family as you grieve the loss of Colton. Know that we are praying for you all. Our deepest sympathy, Bill and Dede
Wendy says
Curtis, Teresa and family. My sincere sympathy in this difficult time. Praying for strength and peace for you.
Virtual hugs, and take care of yourself.
Steve and Wendy
Heidi and Scott Stutelberg says
Our deepest sympathies to your family. Our memories of him since the charter school days and in our son’s Star Trek fan films and hanging out will never be forgotten.
Kim Schimmelpfennig says
So very sorry for your loss. Our deepest sympathy to the Hughes family. Charlie and Kim Schimmelpfennig
Brian Dressel says
Curtis and family, we are so sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Brian and Mona
Sara Girard says
Please accept my deepest sympathies, my thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Wyn Morris says
Such sad news, used to enjoy or chats as his lecturer at Aberystwyth University. Such a friendly person. RIP.
Julie White says
There are no words to say that will ever remove this pain…please accept my deepest sympathy to all of you!
Paddy Merryman says
Absolutely heartbroken from acrsoss the pond…Colt was housemate, teammate, good friend and prank partner… I knew him really well during my 3 years Aberystwyth University… we bonded over drink and rugby and making jokes…always had a smile on his face and a cheeky grin 😀 my partner in crime during my final year at university. He was always there for me during hard times and I for him when he needed it. Will never forget him being the international contingent of our rugby team!!! My dear condolences and thoughts with his family from England! Rest in Peace Colt, I’ll see you again!!!
DeVon Hannah says
Colton, pure of heart, you left us much too soon,
Gorffwys yn hawdd gan wybod bod eich gwraig, teulu a ffrindiau yn cael eu hamgylchynu gan gariad, nerth ac iachâd.
“Rest easy knowing that your wife, family and friends are surrounded by love, strength and healing”.
Curt, Tressa, Shane, Kylie and Gaba,
Our hearts are completely shattered for your loss of Colton. We may not be able to be with you in person, but please know our thoughts and prayers are with you always.
Sending hugs and healing,
DeVon, Dee, Cody and Austin
Susie Hallahan says
Tressa, Curt, Kylie I am still in shock. There is nothing anyone can say that will take away your pain. I love you all and pray you will get thru this.
Joe McCormick says
The first time we met, he immediately showed off a homemade computer he was working on and then played some video games with Shane and me. In the years after, he taught me to play Hold’Em and Blackjack, gave rides to us at times, led us by example in Scouts, and showed a neverending example of unapologetically being himself, a fun and goofy guy who would make you feel appreciated and welcome. Those years are some of my favorite when I look back, and having a big brother figure in Colten was a big part of why. I do regret not reconnecting, but I take peace from the memories I do have. To Curt, Tress, Shane, and Kylie, I love you all, and we suffer with you. Gabba, thank you for giving him someone who could appreciate who he was on a daily basis like he always deserved, and I’m sorry it was cut so short.
Jim and Mari Kalenberg says
Our deepest sympathies your family is in our thoughts and prayers
Joe McCormick says
This one is still shocking and hard to make peace with. Colt was my big brother for 5 years. He taught me to play Hold’em, took Shane and I wherever we had to go in town, played video games with us, showed off his handmade computer he was working on, and so many more things. My best memory is probably staying up all night with Colt, Shane, and a couple other scouts in the breakfast building at Stearns, throwing things at paper cups and having endless hot chocolate and cookies. He was always unapologetically himself. I’ll always appreciate everything you did, Colt. I’ll always miss it.
To the Hughes family, I love you all. Thank you for taking me in, putting me in the position to grow alongside Colt for so long. Gabba, thank you for appreciating and loving the guy like he always deserved. Rest in Power, my brother. I’ll see you again when my time comes.
Randy Roepke says
Curtis and family, I just heard the sad news from my son Aaron. Curtis, he said you drove past his place today and you saw him playing with his kids. You watched for a bit from a distance and eventually got out of your vehicle and approached him. He remembered you from back in the days you both worked in SMS. He proceeded to tell me that you felt compelled to stop and advise him to cherish every moment possible with his kids, as one never knows when you may lose a child or loved one. My condolences go out to you and your family. May God bless all of you during this difficult time, Randy and Deb Roepke
Briony-Molly Basterfield says
I heartbroken to hear the passing of a vibrant light. Colt shared some of the best memories with me throughout university. He was always there to sting me about supporting colorado in hockey, banter about games and stay up late watching NHL on dodgy internet streams. He was like a weird american brother to me, taking pride in everything he did. Long roadtrips to france for christmas and summer were never dull, and he bought the best christmas presents. I’ll never forget his kindness, late night coffee and beer and of course his incredible talent of making the best out of every situation.
I’m sure I speak for everyone that knew him that he had so much to offer in this world and he had such a joyous light.
My love, thoughts and prayers goes out to all his friends and family during this time. I can’t begin to comprehend how you all must be feeling
Gwynant Phillips says
My deepest sympathy to the family and all who knew Colt.
I had the pleasure to work with him at Brynowen Holiday Camp in Borth Wales. I loved his accent I taught him a lot of Welsh words and phrases. He greeted me in Welsh at the beginning of each shift. I will miss you. RIP
Tom Anderson says
Words honestly fail me. Colt, you were one of life’s good guys and I will always cherish the great times at Aberystwyth Uni. The rugby, curries and the numerous chats about beer, you never failed to leave your mark. I was lucky to call you a friend and am devastated to hear of your passing. All my condolences to your family and friends. Rest in peace mate!
Nicole Polzin says
I can’t find the words to say to you as I know it hurts and no words can really take that pain away right now. The last week at work was not the same. He was my analyst in HPT. He always came over to see what was up for the day and how the schedule looked. No matter the day he always carried a smile and always said something goofy. That I will miss. “I got your back Colt!” Were my last words to him. I am blessed to have known him for the short time I did. He will never be forgotten and will be missed by many! We send our deepest most sincere condolences to his family. Rest easy Colt!
Patti Dettman says
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. Colton was a great young man that will be greatly missed.
Jena (Telecky) Veenstra says
Curtis and family,
I am very sorry to hear of your loss. I pray that you find comfort during this difficult time, but remember to cherish all the memories. From the stories Curtis shared, he was an amazing son and touched the hearts of memories.
Sending thoughts and prayers.
Deb Thorpe says
Just saw the news of Colton’s death and am so so sorry. He was one of my favorite students and had the greatest smile. Prayers for your whole family as you grieve for him.
Patrecia Rutledge says
So sorry for your loss! I can not even imagine this kind of broken heart. Know that you are all in our thoughts & prayers!
Shawn Knauber says
Tressa and family, I’m so so sorry to hear of the passing of your dear son. I cannot express how truly sad and heartbroken I am for you all. It sounds like you raised an extraordinary young man. I’m praying for you to find peace during this difficult time. Love and hugs to you.
Cheryl Gamble says
Curt and Tressa and Family:
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved son, Colt. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and Colt’s wife Gaba. Take care.
Your cousin, Cheryl Gamble
Kim Thompson says
Curt and Tessa and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences. I’m sending you lots of prayers during this difficult time.
Kim Thompson
Kevin James says
My deepest condolences to Curtis, Tessa, and family. Receiving the news of Colton’s passing was devastating to me. He was always a pleasure to be around and would always lift my spirits whenever I saw him. I will always treasure our time together at the BSA National Jamboree.
Mandi Bauer says
I am so sorry for your loss. Colten was a really great guy and treated everyone with respect. He was so easy to talk to and was very understanding. Your family is in my prayers as you grieve for him.
Chantal Oechsle says
Colton always had this way of making everybody feel accepted and like they mattered. We hadn’t connected in recent years, but I know if I would have seen him, he would have recognized me immediately and had a warm greeting to give. Even as kids, digging in dead trees, pretending ice chunks were dinosaur eggs, he was always that warm and funny guy. I can completely believe he grew up into a wonderful man. He always was one. He always upbeat and warm to be around, with just the right amount of humor. I always recall those years in elementary school fondly, and he had a very large role in that. It’s devastating that the world lost such a wonderful man so young. We could all stand to be a little more like him.
Charlie Gaines says
Curtis, Tressa, Gabriela, and family, I am so very sorry for the loss of Colton. My heart breaks for your heartbreak. Having met him when he was still a teen in 2010, and recently having the pleasure of seeing him again at 3M I was so impressed with what a fine man he had grown into. There are no words that can express the depth of sorrow for the loss of Colton. Our prayers for you to find comfort in your grief will continue for you for a long time.
A $50 donation in honor of Colton has been sent to the Wounded Warriors Project.
With our sincerest condolences,
Charlie and Sandee Gaines
Julie Zogoplos says
Curt, Tressa and family,
I am so very sorry to hear about Colten. Sending you thoughts, prayers, hugs and my deepest sympathy.
Jim says
Curtiss, Tressa and family
Sending you all huge hugs and know our thoughts are with you.
Love Jim and Paula
Richie and Angie Kuttner says
We are so very sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Our deepest sympathies to you and your entire family.
Kathy (Hughes) Rehfeldt says
To Jerry and Hazel and the rest of Colt’s family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I did not know Colt but it sounds like he lived his life well in the short time he was with you. May all these words of comfort and shared memories help to heal your hearts.
Jason Durheim says
Since learning of Colten’s passing, I have been thinking of wonderful memories of Colten when I was his fourth grade teacher. He was determined to be successful, even when things were challenging. He always had a wonderful smile, positive attitude, and great sense of humor. I’m so glad to see that I he was a part of my life and that he grew up to be an amazing man.
My sympathies at his passing. I’m praying for God’s comfort and peace as you mourn, and joy as you celebrate the time you had together!
Marty and Theresa hughes says
May the memeries and love for Colt carry the family thrugh this difficult time. He was a wonderfull young man and always be proud that he guards the gates with st peter.
Merlyn Cooper says
Colt was the kind of person to become family to anyone, he often called me cousin as I grew up not far from some of his ancestors.
I’m glad to have known him.