Hugh Carl McWhorter

Hugh Carl McWhorter, a steadfast community servant, Navy veteran, and devoted husband, passed away peacefully at the age of 82, on Monday, August 11, 2025, at Alomere Health.

Mass of Christian Burial is 11 a.m., on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Belle River with Fr. Matthew Kuhn presiding. Hugh will be laid to rest at 12 p.m., Monday, August 18, 2025, at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery at Camp Ripley with full military honors accorded.

The visitation is 5-7 p.m., on Friday, August 15th at Lind Family Funeral Home in Alexandria and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.

Born October 7, 1942, in Darfur, Minnesota, Hugh was the second child of Hugh T. and Avita M. (Bollig) McWhorter. His life was one of humble service, deep faith, and enduring commitment to the people and places he loved. In 1944, Hugh's family moved to Ward, South Dakota, where his father managed the local Great Plains Lumber Yard. Hugh began his education in Ward, later attending St. Mary’s Cathedral School in Elkton, from 1951 to 1957. In 1957, the family relocated to Miltona, Minnesota, where Hugh would put down deep roots. He graduated from Alexandria High School in 1961.

Shortly after graduation, Hugh answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the U.S. Navy on September 6, 1961. He served four years on active duty and later re-enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserves in 1968, retiring in 1990 with the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer in Naval Engineering as a proud member of the SeaBees. In addition to his military service, Hugh dedicated himself to the Miltona community in countless ways. From 1965 to 1978, he served as Constable, sewer plant operator, and handled city maintenance. A member of the Miltona Volunteer Fire Department from 1965 to 1998, Hugh was always willing to respond to a neighbor’s call for help. He also served as the local assessor from 1970 until his retirement in 2016. Hugh began working as a carpenter in 1966, a trade that became both his profession and passion. He continued building and creating throughout his life, completing his final home with his own hands later in life — a true testament to his enduring skill and work ethic. On October 25, 1975, Hugh married Joy LaDonna (Martin) Barros, gaining not only a loving wife but five stepsons: Rory, Wayne, Kenneth, Neil, and Kim. Hugh cherished his role as a stepfather and devoted husband.

A devout member of St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Belle River since 1958, Hugh served in many roles: parish council member, lector, religious education teacher, and Eucharistic minister. His faith was central to his life and informed his commitment to helping others. Outside of work and service, Hugh was a passionate collector of railroad history, maps of depot locations, and townsite plats — a hobby that reflected his love for both history and the places that shaped his life. Hugh was a man who lived simply but loved greatly. He was deeply rooted in service to others and his community, never seeking recognition, but always showing up where he was needed. His quiet generosity, warm presence, and unwavering faith left a lasting impact on all who knew him. He leaves behind a legacy of service, strength, and selfless love — a life well-lived in honor of others.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Joy; parents; brother Paul; sisters, Therese and Patricia; and stepson Kim Barros.

Hugh is survived by his sister, Helen (Steve) Zellmer; stepsons, Rory (Sandy), Wayne, Kenneth (Raquel), and Neil; along with many nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers are Greg McWhorter, Cory McWhorter, Teigen McWhorter, Jim Harrison, Mike Zellmer, and Scott Zellmer.