Thomas Emil Hildring

“Go rest high on that mountain; son your work on Earth is done.”

Father of Lucy and Rose - Beloved Son of Robert&Janis-Brother to Tina,Tricia&Tara-Uncle to Will&Jack, Ashley,Colin&Jake, Gavin,Chloe&Olivia

Tom grew up on the family farm and spent many happy years as a farm kid. This meant doing chores, riding three-wheelers, checking cattle, going to 4-H events during the summers including county and state fairs, and having good times with family, friends and neighbors. Tom would travel during the summers with his family all over the United States. Tom’s love of cars and driving took him on what he coined his “Great American Road Trip” when he headed west during the fall of 2017. His last road trip was the winter of 2023 when he revisited many of his favorite places.

Tom was a prolific writer and a talented artist. He loved music and would share his favorite songs or artists with others. As a dog lover, Tom spent lots of time with his cherished pets, Shiloh and Cowboy.

Tom’s life journey was complicated by the challenges of living with a mental health diagnosis. But what never changed was his generous spirit and his way of giving to others without expectation. Tom has taught us to meet others where they are at and love them no matter what. Tom’s gift of life through the donation of his kidneys and the gift of site through his cornea donations are another chapter in his journey and he will continue to write his own story.