John Hidahl, El Dorado County Supervisor for District 1, Dies at 73

ABC10 ^ | November 3, 2024 | Alex Muegge

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Hidahl died suddenly at his home Saturday afternoon. He lived in the county for 46 years, and he and his wife, Eileen, raised five daughters in El Dorado Hills.

John Hidahl, El Dorado County supervisor for District 1, has died.

Hidahl, 73, died suddenly at his home Saturday afternoon, according to a news release published Sunday by El Dorado County. His cause of death is undetermined, and details regarding his service will come at a later date, the county said.

“We’re all just absolutely shocked and devastated by this news,” said Carla Hass, a county spokeswoman. “We are reeling from this. It’s a sad day for El Dorado County.”

Hidahl lived in El Dorado Hills for 46 years, according to his biography on the county’s website. He is the chairman of Hidahl Ranch, which grows almonds and walnuts in the Central Valley. He was married to his wife, Eileen, for 52 years and together they raised five daughters.

He was reportedly a strong advocate for senior housing options and maintaining the county’s quality of life.

Hidahl’s seat will remain vacant until Greg Ferrero, who earned 63.7% of the vote in the March primary election, assumes it in January. Hidahl had reached his term limit and was set to exit the board once Ferrero was sworn in.

“It’s a loss for our entire community,” Ferrero said. “He dedicated his life to our county and to El Dorado Hills. He is definitely going to be missed. I personally am going to miss getting to learn from him. I was really looking forward to bouncing things off of him and learning things from him.”