William H. “Bill” McHugh, age 73, resident of Lakota, ND, died Sunday, July 3, 2011 at his home under the care of his wife and hospice.

William Henry McHugh was born August 30, 1937 at Lakota, ND, the son of Clarence and Kathryn (Kirwan) McHugh. He attended Lakota Elementary School before moving with his family to California for a short time. He returned to North Dakota and attended Lakota High School . Bill joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1956. He served at Camp Pendleton , CA before he was honorably discharge in 1958 with the rank of Private First Class. He returned to Lakota and married Myrna Johnson on October 31, 1959 at the Congregational Church. In the early 1960's they moved to Seattle , WA , where Bill worked for his uncle's chain link fence company. In 1971 they moved back to Lakota. Bill worked for the Ironworkers Union Local 793. He was a foreman and installed chain link fences around the Anti-Ballistic Missile sites in North Dakota . He also worked across the state on other projects with the Ironworkers Union. Bill and Myrna owned and operated Lefty's Bar in Lakota from 1977 until 1985. They lived in Seattle from 1985 until 1987. Bill retired in 1996 due to his health. Bill volunteered his experience of fencing to Terry Devine by installing fences at the ball diamonds in Lakota and Stump Lake Park , along with his sidekick, Wilfred Groves, who loved working with Bill. The last few years Bill enjoyed driving around, looking at the crops, and visiting with all of the people that he would meet.

Bill is survived by his wife, Myrna McHugh of Lakota, ND; his step-father, Robert Bernal of Herlong, CA; 2 step-brothers, Randy and Bobby; 1 step-sister, Debbie; his aunt, Rheba Kirwan in Washington; his uncle, Dale Nakken in Washington; 2 sisters-in-law, Diane Johnson of Lakota and Marlene (Will) House of Lakewood, WA; 2 brothers-in-law, Dale (Heather) Johnson of Everett, WA and Dennis (Bonnie) Johnson of Snohomish, WA; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Pat McHugh; an infant sister; and his brother-in-law, Wayne Johnson.

A Memorial Service will be held at the United Church of Christ, Lakota, ND, on Saturday, July 9, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. Officiating will be the Reverend Sue Mackey. The organist will be Ellen Pederson. Interment will be private at the Lakota Cemetery. The honorary pallbearers will include all of Bill's brother ironworkers. Military Honors will be accorded by the Rundell-Holicky American Legion Post #21 of Lakota. Visitation will be held at the church on Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.