March 1, 1924 - Dec. 9, 2008
Submitted by: Dan Rich
March 1, 1924 - Dec. 9, 2008
South Bend Tribune 12/11/2008
MISHAWAKA - Walter B. Hodapp, 84, of Mishawaka, passed
away Tuesday morning, December 9, 2008, in his home. Walt was
born March 1, 1924, in Carlyle, Illinois, a son of the late
Walter and Elizabeth (Kolbrecker) Hodapp. He grew up in
Carlyle and served his country in the U.S. Army Air Force during
World War II. Walt moved to Michiana to attend the University of
Notre Dame where he earned both a bachelor's and master's degree.
At that time he met his future wife, Elizabeth "Betty" Meunick.
They were married on April 19, 1952, and they went on to raise
ten children. Though he didn't speak of it openly, he loved Betty
deeply. Her untimely passing in 1985 devastated him, but he never
threw in the towel. He continued to be Walt - an honest man who
knew how to have a good time. Walt was a member of St. Joseph
Catholic Church in Mishawaka where he served as an usher. He also
held memberships with the Notre Dame Alumni, VFW Post 360 and
American Legion Post 161. From the Knights of Columbus in
Mishawaka to waitresses in Fort Myers, Florida, Walt didn't take
up residence anywhere without making friends and leaving
impressions. He devoted every Sunday morning to Mass and spent
many a holiday season handing out Tootsie Rolls in exchange for a
little Christmas charity. For family gatherings, one could always
find him in his chair, Miller Lite in hand, and during football
season with the Fighting Irish on TV. He was a quiet man who only
spoke when necessary, but never let his sarcastic sense of humor
go to waste. Walt faithfully served his church, his family, and
his community for over 80 years. Not many people can say that. He
was never greedy or selfish. He didn't condemn or dismiss. Though
he didn't wear his heart on his sleeve, he took pride in his
accomplishments and in those of loved ones. And throughout Walt's
life, from his career as an aerospace engineer at Bendix
Corporation (Honeywell) to his faith and benevolence, he was an
example to live by and will be remembered for that. Walt's
surviving family includes his four sons, Michael of Ocala, FL,
Richard of Mishawaka, IN, James of Oveido, FL, and Paul of
Kissimmee, FL; six daughters, Suzan Bixler of Osceola, IN,
Patricia Chabot of Sioux Falls, SD, JoAnn Byrum of
Land O'Lakes, FL, Mariellen Weatherman of Coloma, MI,
Elaine Davis of Liberty Lake, WA, and Lori Siguenza
of Niles, MI; 14 grandsons, Mark, Mathew, Brandon, Eric, Robert,
Steven, Kevin, Jesse, Justin, Brian, Maverick, Jarod, David and
Joseph; six granddaughters, Jacquelyn, Amy, Michele, Melonie,
Stacey and Stephanie; eight great-grandchildren and one
great-great-grandchild; two brothers, Donald and Clarence Hodapp;
and two sisters, Helen Holenkamp and Marilyn Miller.
Besides his wife, Betty, Walt was also preceded in death by two
brothers and a sister.
Friends may spend time with Walt's family Friday from 1-3 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. in Thallemer, Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 W. Third Street, Mishawaka, where the Rosary will be prayed at 3 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 11 a.m. in St. Joseph Catholic Church, 225 S. Mill Street, Mishawaka, with Rev. Terry Fisher officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the VFW 360 / American Legion 161 Burial Squad. Contributions in Walt's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society
or to the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Assistance with memorials is available at the funeral home.