Hubert William Hohe

Hugh was born on Sept 12, 1936, in Oak Park, Illinois to William Mathias Hohe and Louise Misare Hohe. He grew up in North Riverside, IL with his brother Billy and many cousins. Hugh played football and trumpet in high school and loved cars, motorcycles and electronics. He and his brother were known for taking apart the TV and putting it back together again.

He attended Millikin University in Decatur Illinois, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Business in 1958. As a member of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity, he served as Pledge Educator, Ritual Chairman, and Social Chairman. While a senior at Millikin, he met Christine Coe and they married in November 1958.

Shortly after they were married, Hugh began working for Rexnord Industries. His Rexnord career spanned 41 years, culminating with Hugh serving as Vice President of International Sales and Manufacturing and as a member of the Executive Committee. Through this job, he traveled the world, often taking Chris with him on his adventures. He was highly intelligent with a photographic memory and a tenacious, practical approach that served him well. He was recognized with many achievement awards throughout his long career.

Retirement in Medford, Oregon was filled with years of fishing excursions with Chris, amateur wine making and enjoyment of the beautiful Oregon coast for his whole family.

Hugh and Chris raised 3 daughters together. He attended their recitals, concerts, games and ski trips. As a dedicated USC High School Marching Band parent for all three daughters, he attended every football game, mainly to watch his girls perform in the half-time show.

Hugh enjoyed fishing, landscaping, camping, swimming, barbecuing, watching sports, home movies and good restaurants. He was an excellent mechanic and “handy man” and could fix just about anything around the house. Hugh was an enthusiastic Pittsburgh Steelers fan and lifelong Chicago Cubs fan.

Hugh had a great and often corny sense of humor. He was a master at stretching out a funny story and retelling his favorite jokes. He loved old comedy movies, cliché western songs, a good pun and well-worn jokes, even the inappropriate ones. He loved to laugh.

As a faithful Methodist, Hugh served the church as an usher and financial manager. Hugh advocated for awareness and support surrounding Spinocerebellar Ataxia, a rare disease that challenged his body but did not defeat his spirit.

Hugh was devoted and loyal to his family and friends. He worked fiercely to empower his loved ones with the values, skills and resources to succeed. This was his purpose. He is survived by his wife Christine; his daughters Ellen Wood (Garry), Karen Hohe Suchomel (Bart) and Diane Ballard (Rusty); grandchildren Spencer and Hannah Wood, Bryce, Luke and Jesse Suchomel, and Paige Ballard Young; and great-grandchildren Elizabeth Young and baby boy Suchomel (due in March).]