Hugh J. Dalton, 85, of Dubuque, IA, was welcomed home by our Lord and Savior on November 28^th, 2023. He spent his final days at MercyOne Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. To honor Hugh’s life, a visitation will be held for family and friends at 9:30 a.m. on December 11^th, 2023, followed by a memorial mass at 10:30 a.m., all at St. Joe’s Key West (10204 Key West Drive) in Dubuque, with Msgr. Thomas Toale officiating. Burial will be held immediately after mass in the Mt. Olivet Cemetery, where full military honors will be accorded by the Dubuque Marine Corps League. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Hugh’s family.

Hugh was born on August 23^rd, 1938, in Rice Lake, WI. He was son to Otto and Esther (Ring) Dalton and younger brother to Nancy (Dalton) Isabella. Hugh spent his younger years developing problem-solving skills and an affinity for helping others, which quickly became lifelong traits. This not only helped him succeed as a Civil Engineer, but also helped Hugh become the epitome of a man everyone could count on, rain or shine. Hugh was blessed to meet his soul-mate, Carolyn (Booth) Dalton, early on in life while they both attended Spooner High School. The high school sweethearts were later united in marriage on August 22^nd, 1959, at St. Francis De Sales in Spooner, WI. They soon after happily welcomed their three children. Hugh continued on to honorably serve his country with the U.S. Army before earning his Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from U.W. Platteville in 1963. Upon graduation, he began his career with the City of Dubuque’s Engineering Department. Hugh then went on to invest his time and talents with Goerdt Construction and J.F. Brennan before retiring from Apex Ready Mix after many years of service. 

Hugh was an avid outdoorsman who appreciated every opportunity to be able to go outside, animal watch, or throw on his turkey hunting gear. He also enjoyed woodworking, snow skiing, and spending time on the river. Although Hugh had many passions, his loyalty for others ran even deeper. This was especially the case for his St. Joe’s Key West parish, the Green Bay Packers, and University of Iowa Hawkeyes. But ultimately, Hugh’s favorite way to spend his time was being with his friends, family, and grandchildren. He always knew the most valuable things in life never came with a price tag but instead came from happy moments shared with others. Hugh was a quiet, humble man who loved deeply and gave of himself much more than he would ever take in. The world is truly a lesser place without Hugh’s bright light shining. His friends and family miss him dearly, while treasuring each and every memory, lesson, and story he leaves behind.

Thank you, Hugh, for being the perfect role model with every role you played so diligently. May the Lord hold you safe in His loving arms until we meet again someday.      

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Hugh include his beautiful bride of 64 years, Carolyn Dalton, of Dubuque, IA; and his three children; Mike (Molly) Dalton, Jeff (Sharon) Dalton, and Susan (Tim) Schmitt, all of Dubuque, IA. He is also survived by his nine adored grandchildren; Stephanie (Craig) Bentzen, Jenny Dalton, Sarah Dalton, Alie (Daniel) Thole, Kelsey (Max) Kemp, John Dalton, Annie McGuire, Matthew McGuire, and Christopher Schmitt, as well as his five great-grandchildren; Lucy Thole, Benny Thole, Scout Kemp, Teddy Kemp, and Thor Bentzen. He also leaves behind his brother-in-law, Jim Isabella, along with his sister-in-law, Marilyn (Roger) Yockey, brother-in-law, Jim (Margaret) Booth, and numerous extended family members, nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors. Hugh is preceded in death by his parents, as well as his older sister, Nancy Isabella.

Hugh’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Mercy Hospital for all of their professional and compassionate care during his stay.

In lieu of flowers, a Hugh J. Dalton memorial fund has been established.

Online condolences may be shared with Hugh’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com