Robert J. Hodapp was a physician from 1920-52. His first two years of practice were in Madelia, where he was born, and the last 33 years were in Willmar. He had attended medical school at Mankato State.
He taught general science for two years in Grand Marais before returning to medical school.
Hodapp was the chairman of the Willmar school board when the district purchased the land where the current high school football field now sits.
He was not involved in athletics, but was instrumental in getting the new football field. Before that, the team played at the fairgrounds on a rugged field of fill over an old city dumpsite.
Hodapp was semi-retired when he died of a heart attack in 1952 at age 60.
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The school board voted to name the football field after Hodapp. The field was dedicated shortly after his death. The athletic field bearing his name debuted in 1948 with the Cardinals beating Hutchinson, 22-0.
Hodapp's son, Robert V., was also a longtime doctor in Willmar, and his grandsons, Robert E. and Michael, are currently physicians in Willmar.
