John Hodapp
John Hodapp
John Hodapp is currently Director of Agency Operations at Hortica, a brand of Sentry Insurance Group. Prior to this role he held national accounts manager and regional vice-president positions.
John was well-known for his expertise in risk management, having served the needs of numerous Hortica clients such as the American Floral Endowment and Society of American Florists. Additionally, John provided advice to numerous other industry businesses regarding insurance and risk management strategies.
Early Life and Education
John Hodapp was born on September 26, 1905 in Cincinnati, Ohio to an undertaker and embalmer father. As a boy, John lived with his family above their funeral parlor apartment.
Despite his early struggles, he persisted in following his dream of playing baseball and was eventually drafted by the Indianapolis Indians in 1924. In 1930, he had an outstanding season at second base for the Indians.
Hodapp was an accomplished athlete and a dedicated member of his community. A devout Roman Catholic, he volunteered with the Society of St. Vincent DePaul to offer practical assistance as well as spiritual comfort to those in need.
He and his wife Jane were blessed with five children: Carolyn, Martha, Linda, David, and Tom. Loving parents, they devoted themselves to their family by playing cards, bowling and picnicking whenever possible.
Professional Career
Hodapp was the Director of Agency Operations at Hortica, a brand of Sentry Insurance Group. He was instrumental in serving the needs of many Hortica clients such as the American Floral Endowment, Society of American Florists and many more industry businesses by offering advice on risk management and insurance matters.
He served as sheriff of Bemidji, Minnesota and was responsible for supervising security at three law enforcement areas and the courthouse complex.
Hodapp also coordinates a half-dozen volunteer groups that conduct search and rescue operations throughout the county, such as Community Guard members, mounted posses, and First Responder organizations. He additionally works with Paul Bunyan Amateur Radio Club on setting up and maintaining a mobile communications facility to facilitate their work.
Achievements and Honors
John Hodapp’s most prized possession was an impressive collection of more than 300 trophies and awards. His most recent position saw him spend nearly two decades at Junior Achievement of Central Maryland (JA) in Baltimore, where he was responsible for leading and expanding their flagship program there. His many accomplishments included being awarded a place in the company’s hall of fame for making significant financial contributions. Other major accomplishments included his tenure as vice president of operations for JAS, during which he was responsible for all regional initiatives and appointed as its most senior and distinguished honoree – the president. Despite this remarkable career, he still found time to pursue hobbies and interests, spending many happy and successful years with family and friends along the way.
Personal Life
John was a loving husband and father who deeply cared about his family and friends. His life served as an inspiring example of living a life of faith and purpose, no matter the difficulties that lay ahead.
He married Mary Jane Haar in 1951 and began his 40-year career with Fernald as an analytical chemist. Additionally, for 12 years he worked alongside his father at their independent insurance agency.
He was an active member of his parish and served as communion minister in his church. He and his wife were blessed with five children, and he loved being the loving PawPaw to his three grandchildren William, Madelyn, and Colin. Tragically, on February 11th 2022 he passed away peacefully at 94 years old.
Net Worth
John Hodapp was an iconic player on the Cleveland team that won three pennants in four years, serving as their lone second baseman at 6-feet tall and 185 pounds. As its batting champion, Hodapp earned himself a place of honor on the bench.
In 1930, he led the league in hits and doubles and finished sixth overall for batting average. Additionally, he had a career-high 32 bases on balls while driving in 121 runs.
After retiring from the game, Dave opened a flower shop with his wife Martha in Plainwell, Michigan. Together they worked until their deaths. Dave’s life was dedicated to family and work; his quiet strength and devotion will live on through those whom he loved. Survived by his wife, five children, and six grandchildren, his life will be forever remembered by those who knew him best.