Gunther P. Hugo

A friend to all, Gunther P. Hugo, 73, died Tuesday, April 10, 2012 surrounded by family at the Nora Springs Care Center. Gunther’s family will receive friends from 5:00 to 8:00 Friday, April 13 at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Avenue. A celebration of his life will be held from 2:00 to 6:00 PM, Saturday, April 14 at the Park Inn Hotel, 15 West State Street, Mason City. Gunther’s body will be cremated and a private memorial service and inurnment will be held prior to his celebration for the immediate family. Gunther would ask that everyone bring a picture with them to the Park Inn that shows a memory of Gunther, homes and projects he built, or family and friends. Memorials may be directed to the Gunther Hugo Memorial Fund. Gunther was born November 8, 1938 in Mason City the son of Mae and Tjark Hugo. He was blessed to have three brothers, John (Zoe), Leroy (Peg) and Tjark (Crita), and also three sisters, Gladys, Mae, and Nancy (Jim). All of whom are still alive and enjoying their children, grandchildren, or spouses. He is also survived in life by his children, whom he loved and was very proud of for their achievements in life, Bruce (Leslie) Hugo and Julie (Scott) Sumpter. After the death of his rock and foundation, Nancy Hugo, he was fortunate to enjoy time with his second wife, Gloria, and her two children, Steve (Audra) Palmer and Sara Smith; 5 grandchildren, Vann, Samantha, Danielle, Mackenzie, and Zach whom all where a big gift from above. Gunther enjoyed all the holidays with his family. Gloria’s sisters, their husbands, children and grandchildren gave him much joy and love, even if it was just for a short period of time. He was preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his children, Nancy Hugo. He is also preceded in death by his mother, father, and their daughter, Hester, 2 brothers-in-law, Jay and John. Gunther loved everything about living. His greatest passion in life was life itself. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, business leader, and friend. He will most be remembered for his profound impact on all he came to know. It will be hard for anyone to ever forget the sparkle in his eye and the smile of his face. Gunther, a long time contractor/carpenter in Mason City loved his work as a builder. When he placed his hands on whatever he built, he truly had the ability to create beauty. Gunther expressed his love in creating the Cabin on the river. He had many memories in building the cabin with his friends, family, his wife, Nancy, and her parents, Clifford and Arlene Alitz. He cherished the memories he had with his brothers early on in his life while hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed his time fishing with his long-time friends up in Minnesota and Canada. He truly felt blessed with all the people he met throughout life whether they were an acquaintance from the Kum & Go, to a lifelong friend. To Gunther, they were all friends, people that gave him joy each and every day. Gunther also loved meeting the people he built home for as Hugo Builders. From the bottom of his heart, it meant the world to him to have the handshakes, coffee, and homemade cookies from the people he worked for and with. Gunther is now up in heaven helping God fix the pearly gates and getting ready for all of his friends and family’s arrival.

Gunther P. Hugo Memorial Fund