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Thomas Robert Hyldahl passed away peacefully on April 19, 2026, still pondering questions with elusive answers. Born June 13, 1936 in Cleveland, Ohio, Tom spent much of his formative years in various residences, including foster homes and orphanages. He was adopted by Robert and Helen (Fath) Hyldahl in 1941 when he was five. Raised as an only child eager for friends and companionship, Tom came to discover in the past two decades that, ironically, he had a multitude of half-siblings, cousins, aunts, and uncles. That realization came after learning the identities and histories of his birth parents (Hope Pheils and James P. Foulk), allowing Tom to finally piece together his family heritage.
Ever curious and inquisitive, Tom loved learning and new experiences. His interests were broad and eclectic, and he reveled in sharing new information, discoveries, and points of interest—the latter of which often segued into a personal realization, observation, or opinion. He had a sharp wit and a keen sense of humor that never waned. He was passionate about solving puzzles, pursuing intellectual challenges, and writing. His letters to the editor of the Toledo Blade were recognized by then-Senator Sherrod Brown. Though he could be earnest and serious, Tom’s nature was equally playful and, sometimes, even downright silly.
Tom was an all-around athlete, excelling at any game that had a ball. He was a graduate of Parma High School, where he quarterbacked the football team, was a member of several clubs and the tennis team, and president of the student council. He enjoyed being competitive, always striving to out-think or out-strategize his opponents. He played tennis and golf until just a few years ago, and was an avid chess player most of his life. He was a devoted fan to all Cleveland teams, never losing hope that the Cleveland Guardians (Indians), Browns, and Cavaliers will have a championship season.
Tom worked part-time and summer jobs during high school to save money for college, attending Kent State after a short stint at a community college. It was at KSU that he met his first wife. Tom transferred to Taylor University in Indiana to finish his Bachelor’s degree. Intent on becoming a minister, Tom moved with his wife and infant daughter to Somerville, NJ to attend Princeton Theological Seminary where he earned his M.Div. Tom’s son and second daughter were both born in NJ, while he worked as an assistant minister in different churches, the longest stint being in Millville. From there, Tom and his young family relocated to Cincinnati, Ohio, and then to Columbus. Feeling called to a different vocation, Tom moved his family to Parma, Ohio and he pursued his Ph.D. in Educational Psychology at Kent State, earning his doctorate a few years later. While living in Kent, Tom met Regina, who would become his second wife. Tom became an assistant professor at Adrian College in Michigan, and he and Regina maintained a long-distance romance for a few years, marrying in 1982. They spent most of their shared years living in the greater Toledo area, raising children, and traveling nationally and globally. Tom’s last job was with Toledo Edison as an educational consultant, and he was able to retire early to enjoy more leisurely pursuits. Tom and Regina moved to Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio in February of 2024.
Tom was preceded in death by his adopted and birth parents, a grandson (Marcus Nathanial Hyldahl), and several dear friends. He is survived in life by: his wife, Regina (Kline Arrington); his children, Rebecca Hyldahl (Jim Corwin), Mark Hyldahl, Renee Sandercock (Ted Gray), and stepdaughter, Sara Arrington-Ashcraft; his grandchildren, Jennifer Hlavaty, Christopher (Lauren) Hlavaty, Emma Hlavaty (Chaz Frazier), Leah (Cody) Petitt, Rhyan Hyldahl Manco, and step-grandchildren Kyle (Matthew) Ashcraft-McGowen, Shanley Ashcraft (Marcus McHugh), and Riley Neis; and nine great-grandchildren, Lillian, Hannah, Max, Gabe, Luci, Carter, Connor, Lucy, and Boston. He is also survived by his recently discovered half-brother, Terry Foulk, and numerous treasured loved ones, relatives, and friends: some long-known; some newly found.
Despite his share of loss and heartbreak, Tom spoke frequently in his later years of how “fortunate” and “lucky” he had been in life. Tom has said recently that he has ancestors who have lived to 135 years of age. In a way, there can be truth to that. Although Tom has died physically, he will live on in the hearts and memories of those who knew him. And in so doing, he may exceed the “lifespan” of his own ancestors.
Many thanks to the nurses and staff at Maplewood of Cuyahoga Falls and Crossroads Hospice for their care of Tom in his final days. The family acknowledges and appreciates all the love, support, and understanding extended.
Family and friends will gather for a private celebration of Tom and his life on what would have been his 90th birthday.
Services in the care of Bissler & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, 628 W. Main St. Kent, OH 44240.
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