Thomas J. McHugh

Thomas J. McHugh, 79, of Keokuk, IA, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at the Montrose Health Center in Montrose, IA.

He was born on January 20, 1946, in Cedar Rapids, IA, the son of James T. and Marriane McHugh. Thomas graduated from high school in 1964 and went on to attend Iowa State University in Ames.

In January of 1966, Thomas was drafted into the United States Army. He completed basic training as a squad leader and went on to graduate from Steno School at Fort Ben Harrison, IN. He served as secretary-steno to a brigadier general at Fort Hood, TX, and was later promoted to Specialist E-5. During his service, Thomas earned the Expert Rifle Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and National Defense Service Medal before being honorably discharged.

On August 10, 1968, Thomas was united in marriage to Ingrid Sunde, and together they welcomed a daughter, Amy. The couple later divorced.

Thomas worked as a mechanical draftsman for eighteen years before moving to Warsaw, IL, where he spent nine years repairing apartments. Thomas became a member of MENSA in 1983. He took early retirement at the age of sixty-two, then devoted much of his time to woodworking, creating projects that reflected his skill and creativity.

He is survived by his twin sister, Judy Medakovich of Bellevue, NE, and his daughter, Amy McHugh.

He was preceded in death by his father, James T. McHugh in 1995 and his mother, Marriane McHugh in 2002 and one sister, Shirley Lannom.

According to his wishes, cremation has taken place and no services are planned.