Tom Hareland

Thomas (Tom) Duane Hareland, of Rolling Meadows, IL, passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack on June 26, 2025, at the age of 59.

Tom was born on April 9, 1966, in Fargo, ND, to Donald and Marlys (Schuler) Hareland. Tom grew up in Fargo, ND and graduated from Fargo South High School in 1984. During his high school years, Tom was actively involved in theatre, Pizzaz and Trollwood Performing Arts. His experiences in these programs sparked a lifetime passion for theatre and the performing arts. After several years in the hospitality industry, Tom went on to earn his Bachelor of Professional Studies from Roosevelt University in 2012.

Tom built a career in hotel management that took him from Fargo to Minneapolis, Waukesha, and eventually to the Chicago area. It was in Waukesha where he met his life partner, Edward Dudek, through a mutual friend on December 1, 2000. Together, they made their home in Palatine, IL, and later in Rolling Meadows, where they have lived since 2007.

Since 2009, Tom held leadership roles at several Hilton properties, including Embassy Suites Schaumburg, DoubleTree Schaumburg, and most recently, Hilton Garden Inn in Des Plaines. As Assistant General Manager, he found a special home at the Hilton Garden Inn, where the positive culture and his colleagues at Raymond Management Company made it his favorite workplace.

Tom’s vibrant personality and love of life led to countless adventures. He loved entertaining friends and family, attending live theater, exploring botanical gardens, and planning spontaneous travel—often sparked by finding a great employee rate. Hawaii was Tom’s favorite destination. He visited the islands many times with many loved ones. Tom was passionate and self-reliant when it came to things needing to be fixed, repaired or updated. He was capable, inventive, resourceful, and creative when inspired to get into action. He poured his heart into every home improvement project and gardening project he took on. He took immense pride in transforming spaces with great detail and care, giving him much satisfaction of the before and after comparisons.

Tom is survived by his partner of 24 years, Edward; his mother, Marlys Hareland of Fargo, ND; his brothers, David Hareland of Moorhead, MN, and Steven (Autumn) Hareland, of Horace, ND; six beloved nieces, Jocelyn, Payton and Maren of Horace, ND, Kaylynn, MacKenzie and Julia of Moorhead, MN, and two great nieces. Tom was preceded in death by his father, Don Hareland.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 AM on July 10, 2025, at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home in Fargo. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. Live streaming of the service is available on the Hanson-Runsvold website. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Paramount Theatre, Aurora, Illinois, R.E.A.C.H. Fund.