John Walter Hidahl
October 10, 1951 – November 2, 2024
John Hidahl was born on October 10, 1951, in Ceres, California, to Joel and Margaret Hidahl. He grew up in Ceres alongside his six siblings, working on the family ranch growing peaches and cherries an driving for the family trucking business.
John earned his Eagle Scout rank by age 16. He met his future wife, Eileen, in religious education classes and they started dating their senior year at Ceres High School. John studied Mechanical Engineering at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo where he earned his Bachelors of Science degree. John and Eileen married in 1972 and moved to the Sacramento area, where John built a successful career in the aerospace industry, working for 31 years at Aerojet and 10 years at Northrop Grumman. John’s true calling and passion, however, was public service. He used his extensive knowledge, clear vision, and personal connections to improve the community in his 46 years as an El Dorado Hills resident. His motto of “Service before Self” guided his involvement innumerous boards and committees, helping veterans, seniors and youth. A member of St. John’s Parish for 50 years, he sang in the choir, served as a lector, and was a life member of the Knights of Columbus. He served the last eight years as the El Dorado County District 1 Supervisor, working to enhance the area’s quality of life.
John was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and a man of deep, abiding faith.
After suffering a heart attack, John was called home to the Lord on Nov. 2, 2024.
He is survived by Eileen, his wife of 52 years; their five daughters, Kathryn, Maureen and Ben, Christine and Josh, Rachel and Jon, Brittani and Marissa; and 12 grandchildren, Jacob, Samuel, Tyler, Evelyn, Rebecca, Ryan, Claire, Luca, Matteo, Theo, Walker and Waverly. He is also survived by siblings Claudia, Marty, Mike, and Rita, and preceded in death by his parents Joel and Margaret, and brothers Rob and Joel.
The family gratefully welcomes contributions to the John Hidahl Memorial Fund, established by the El Dorado County Veterans Alliance to continue John’s legacy of supporting veterans. While John was not a veteran himself, he was a true patriot and a steadfast advocate for those who serve our country.
https://eldoradocountyvetera ns.org/john-hidahlmemorial-fund/
– Ceres (Calif.) Courier
Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024
