Ernestine “Tina” Hyland

On an unusually warm and sunny 22nd day of December, 2020, as the earth ushered in the solstice promise of longer days and increasing light, and the Heavens continued their proclamation of the most beautiful of all seasons, the strongest woman I know decided that this year she wanted to spend Christmas with her mother and father, husband, Miles, son, Tom as well as in the welcoming arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Ernestine “Tina” Hyland died peacefully at Valley Manor nursing facility at 6:08 a.m. She left this world on her own terms, at her perfect time, while leaving behind a wonderful legacy of a life well lived to be celebrated and remembered by anyone who knew her.

Tina was born to Ernie and Dorothy Rafeld on October 4, 1927 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Once her education in the GB area was complete, she went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree in Child Development and Home Economics from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. While in college she was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority as well as a variety of other clubs. After graduation, Tina taught kindergarten in both Appleton & Manitowoc, WI.

While working in Appleton, Tina was coerced into a blind date with Miles Hyland. It must have been fate, as the two were married on December 29, 1956. After settling in Manitowoc, Miles and Tina raised two children, Mary Beth, and Thomas John. Years later they retired down to Bella Vista, Arkansas to enjoy almost daily their mutual love of golf. After Miles death, Tina moved to Liberty, MO to be closer to her daughter and grandchildren.

Tina was a phenomenal seamstress, diehard Green Bay Packer and Badger fan, ‘Crazy Canasta’ card player & golfer, taking great pride in her accomplishment of the elusive ‘Hole in One’. She often chided Miles that she had definitely one upped him on the fairway!

She leaves to celebrate her memory her daughter, Mary (Brad) Kunkel, Liberty, MO; sister, Hope Maloney, Green Bay, WI; Brother, Fred Rafeld, Seymour, WI; Grandchildren: Ryan (Katelyn) Muchowski, Brooklyn, NY; Kristin (Michael) Hale, Lees’ Summit, MO; Benjamin Kunkel, Kansas City, MO; Johnathon (Whitney) Hyland, Chandler, AZ; Erin Hyland, AZ; Great-Grandchildren: Michelle, Adrian, Isaac, Emma, Cash, Ian, Dominick, TJ and Dagmar. She is also survived by many extended family and the most wonderful friends. Tina was proceeded in death by her parents, Dorothy & Ernie, husband Miles, and son, Tom.

Tina was a current and active member of Hosanna! Lutheran Church, Liberty, MO. A memorial service is planned for Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at 11am at the church. Masks and social distancing will be observed.

While we grieve the tremendous loss of Tina here upon this earth, we still take great comfort in all that she has taught us. In lieu of flowers you can donate to Metropolitan Lutheran Ministries, the Alzheimer’s Association, or by simply doing a genuine kindness for someone in need. Rest in the sweetest of peace, momma. I will miss and love you always.

Tina was a current and active member of Hosanna! Lutheran Church, Liberty, MO. A memorial service is planned for Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at 11am at the church. Masks and social distancing will be observed.