John Franke Popp passed into the presence of his Lord and Savior on Friday morning, July 31st, at the age of 94. Known for his deep faith, wise counsel, and generous heart, he lived each day as a testimony to God’s grace and love. He was born on March 2, 1932 to Lucile M. and H. Leslie Popp and grew up with his older brother Les Jr. on Forest Park Boulevard. In 1950 he was graduated from Northside High school and went on to attend the University of Michigan. After graduation, he entered the US Army, achieving the rank of Second Lieutenant.
After completing his service, he was offered an opportunity to begin a career with T. Rowe Price as an analyst, but his path ultimately led him back to Fort Wayne and into the family bakery at his mother’s urging. This was a decision that would shape not only his life, but future generations of the Popp family.
He grew up spending summer weekends at Lake Wawasee, loved water skiing, and eventually became the Indiana State slalom water ski Champion. It was also at the lake where he met Esther Rolene Woodward, who became the love of his life. They shared a lifetime of love, creating family memories with their sons J. Bohn and Chris. Despite his busy schedule, he always made time to help with their schoolwork, scouting projects, and to cheer them on at their baseball and football games.
In 1967 he left the family business to pursue a career in real estate, developing neighborhoods like Devils Hollow, Manitou, Lakewood, West Hamilton Estates, White Loon, and Winding Brook. He loved working with people to find properties and collaborate on house designs, making lasting friendships along the way. While he never left real estate, he did return to Perfection Bakeries, helping to lead the company and the Aunt Millie’s brand through significant growth to become one of the largest baking companies in the U.S. He will always be remembered for his optimism, encouragement, and care for all of his associates. His leadership eventually led to his induction into the American Society of Bakers and Engineers Baking Hall of Fame in 2021.
While John’s professional accomplishments were many, those closest to him knew that his faith in God and love of family were at the center of his life. For many years he attended Bible Study Fellowship and enjoyed worship at The Chapel and Wawasee Lakeside Chapel. He was quietly generous, finding joy to help others through organizations like the Euell Wilson Center, Women’s Care Center, and Ratio Christi.
John and his family enjoyed 50+ years of spring breaks in Florida, fall trips to Maine, working on projects around the house and at the lake, playing the piano, the companionship of their dogs, and driving his 1961 Corvette. He was a great conversationalist on many topics; especially about politics, religion, and our great country. There wasn’t a Christmas card sent that didn’t at least briefly mention all three. His presence, company, sense of humor, and wit will be deeply missed.
John is preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Rolene, his brother H. Les Jr., and his nephew H. Les III, and is survived by his sons, J. Bohn (Lubna), and Chris (Carol); his niece Cathy Popp Hoffman (Frank); his three grandsons, Mark, Thomas, and Daniel; as well as Zeeshan (Kelsey), and their son Devon.
Visitation will be held at The Chapel 2505 West Hamilton Rd. S. Fort Wayne, IN 46814 on Friday, August 28th, 2026, from 12:00 P.M.-3:00 P.M. and 5:00 P.M.- 8:00 P.M. A memorial Service will also be held at The Chapel Saturday August 29th with visitation one hour prior. Service will be at 12:15 P.M.
Memorials can be made to the Euell Wilson Center or Women’s Care Center.
