Date of Birth:
Monday, August 6, 1945
Date of Death:
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
Age:
79 years old

Jane Frances Hughes

Jane Frances Hughes, 79, of Rochester, MN, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at Seasons Hospice House.

Born on August 6, 1945, in Jackson, MN, Jane was the second of three children of Homer and Eleanor (Lev) Lanning. She graduated from Jackson High School and later attended Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa. At the age of 50, Jane returned to school and proudly earned her bachelor’s degree from Augsburg College.

On March 24, 1979, Jane married Harry Hughes at the First Presbyterian Church in Rochester, MN. Their wedding weekend was marked by a spring blizzard that made travel difficult, creating a memorable start to their 46-year journey together, filled with love, partnership, and treasured memories.

Jane began her 43-year career at Mayo Clinic in 1970 as an EEG Technician. She later advanced into leadership roles in the EEG Lab, Sleep Disorders Education Program, and Language Department. Jane was known for her professionalism, warmth, and dedication to her work.

Beyond her career, Jane and her husband Harry spent many joyful years boating together on the Mississippi River. She had a love for fine wine, cooking, gardening, reading, puzzling, playing Mahjong, and sharing lunches with friends. Jane and Harry also enjoyed pistol shooting—where she was known to be the better shot! In retirement, Jane found great joy in supporting her grandchildren at their sporting events and volunteering at St. Mary’s Hospital in the gift shop and library. She was a cherished presence in the lives of all who knew her.

Jane is survived by her husband, Harry Hughes of Rochester, MN; her children, Kim (Bruce) Bialka of Hastings, MN, and Paul DeLange of Seymour, WI; her stepchildren, Jason Hughes and Sarah Buchanan, both of the UK; her grandchildren, Ellen Bialka, Emily (Brett) Weinfurter, Isabel Bialka, and Josh DeLange; her sister, Ann (Art) Dehn; and her sister-in-law, Gail Ivers. She was preceded in death by her parents, Homer and Eleanor Lanning, and her brother, Tom Lanning.

A Celebration of Life for Jane will be held on Thursday, July 31, 2025, in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home in Rochester, MN. Visitation will begin at 10:00AM and the service will begin at 11:00AM. A luncheon is planned to follow in the River Park Reception Hall, attached to the chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Seasons Hospice House, Rochester, MN or the American Cancer Society.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the Mayo Clinic Hematology team and the compassionate staff at Seasons Hospice House for their exceptional care and support.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com