Joel J. Hidahl
December 29, 1952 – August 17, 2021
Joel J. Hidahl III passed away suddenly at his home in Forestville, Calif., at the age of 68.
Joel was born on December 29, 1952 in Ceres to Joel and Margaret (Kiernan) Hidahl. He was the second child in a family of seven children. Joel was raised in a family ranch setting, as his father and mother owned a cling peach ranch and trucking business. His mother Margaret was the bookkeeper and spiritual leader for the family, having been raised in a family of 11 children on a dairy farm and ranch in Salida. Joel grew up with a strong work ethic, working side by side with his father and siblings to support the family.
Joel graduated from Ceres High School, as his father had, and was an all-league football player, swimmer, and champion wrestler. He was a music lover and an accomplished harmonica player. He enjoyed athletics of all kinds and was an avid outdoorsman. Abalone diving and fishing were his favorites. He taught many how to abalone dive. He loved exotic foods and was a great cook.
Joel graduated from Sonoma State University with a degree in cartography. He eventually became a licensed contractor and spent most of his life renovating and building residential and commercial properties. He loved helping others learn, was a Boy Scout master, an avid reader of history and provided guidance and love to many around him who struggled with the daily trials and tribulations of life, especially the elderly and children. Joel was a loving father. The center of his life revolved around his children, sons JJ and Dustin and daughter Lynsee. He spent time with them enjoying the simple things life offered – camping, fishing, watching sports and the many meals that he prepared. He was always there for them. Joel’s incredible sense of humor helped keep things light for them, even during hard times. He taught them to roll with the punches and stay positive. He spent a tremendous amount of time with his two grandsons, Jaxon and Jordon over the past seven years, teaching them the principles by which he was raised, and relishing every moment he could be with them.
He was preceded in death by his father Joel J. Hidahl Jr. and his brother Robert Richard Hidahl.
Joel is survived by his loving family including his daughter Lynsee; his sons, Joel J. Hidahl IV (JJ) and Dustin; his grandchildren, Jaxon, Jordon, Evan, Kiefer, Kileaha and Novalee; his mother Margaret; and his siblings, John, Claudia, Michael, Martin and Rita. He was a wonderful brother to all his siblings. He will be greatly missed by all, including his many cousins, and his numerous nieces and nephews.
Services are pending.
The family asks that any donations in Joel’s memory be made to the Joel J. Hidahl Scholarship fund (Ceres High School, Attn: Tera, P.O. Box 307, Ceres CA 95307) or the charity of your choice.
–Ceres (Calif.) Courier
Wednesday, November 3, 2021
