In Memoriam: John F. Popp, Aunt Millie’s Bakeries

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In Memoriam: John F. Popp, Aunt Millie’s Bakeries

5 Aug 2026

Joanie Spencer

Since 2008, Joanie Spencer has covered the retail and wholesale sides of the baking industry.
Serving associations such as the American Society of Baking (ASB) and BEMA, Joanie is also in demand as an industry presenter on bakery operations and trends. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from Rockhurst University and a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri.

When she’s not running or playing soccer, Joanie spends her time with her husband and 11-year-old son.

FORT WAYNE, IN — Aunt Millie’s Bakeries announced the passing of John F. Popp, the company’s president and third-generation leader, who died on July 31. He was 94 years old.

Popp’s leadership, optimism, faith and unwavering commitment to people helped shape the company and its culture for more than four decades.

“John Popp believed that success was built on people,” said Rick Brown, chief customer officer for Aunt Millie’s. “He cared deeply about our employees, our customers, our communities and the generations of families who have made Aunt Millie’s a trusted name. His leadership was defined by humility, kindness and an unwavering commitment to doing what was right.”

Born March 2, 1932, to Lucile and Les Popp Sr., he grew up with his older brother, Les Jr., in Fort Wayne, IN. He graduated from the University of Michigan in 1954 and entered the U.S. Army the same year, serving as a second lieutenant.

He considered a career as an analyst with T. Rowe Price but ultimately returned to Fort Wayne and the family bakery at his mother’s urging. It was a decision that would shape not only his own life but also the future of generations of the Popp family and the employees of the bakery, which began in 1901.

In 1967, he stepped away from the family business to pursue a career in real estate, but in 1980, he returned to the bakery — known at that time as Perfection Bakeries — where he helped guide the company through a period of significant growth and expansion. Later known as Aunt Millie’s Bakeries, Popp grew the business into one of the largest family-owned baking companies in the US.

He was deeply committed to protecting and building upon the legacy established by his grandfather, founder John B. Franke, but Popp’s influence also reached beyond Aunt Millie’s. He was a passionate advocate for independent bakeries across the country, working with industry organizations to strengthen and protect family-owned businesses. He believed in the importance of education and workforce development and encouraged lifelong learning within the company while supporting the next generation of leaders in the baking industry.

“John Popp believed that success was built on people. He cared deeply about our employees, our customers, our communities and the generations of families who have made Aunt Millie’s a trusted name.” — Rick Brown | chief customer officer | Aunt Millie’s Bakeries

Popp viewed the people around him as an important part of the bakery’s success. He loved being part of the team and was known for his optimism, encouragement and genuine care for employees. His leadership was not simply about growing a business; it was also about building an organization where people could grow, contribute and feel part of something bigger than themselves.

In recognition of his contributions to the baking industry, Popp was inducted into the Baking Hall of Fame by the American Society of Baking in 2021.

Beyond his service to the baking industry, Popp was quietly generous and found joy in serving others through organizations including the Euell Wilson Center, Women’s Care Center, and Ratio Christi. He was also appointed by Governor Mike Pence to serve on the Indiana Commission for Higher Education.

Popp will be remembered not only by the company he helped build but also by the family he loved, the people he encouraged, the lives he touched and the values he carried with him throughout his life.

He and his wife, Esther, raised two sons, for whom he made time for what mattered most, including cheering on his sons at their baseball and football games.

His passing leaves a tremendous loss for the Popp family, the Aunt Millie’s family and the many people and organizations whose lives he was a part of. While the company mourns his loss, Aunt Millie’s leadership team remains committed to carrying forward the mission, values and legacy John championed throughout his life. Daily operations will continue uninterrupted as the company moves forward under its established leadership plan.

The Popp family extends its heartfelt appreciation for the many expressions of sympathy and support received during this difficult time. Memorial service information will be shared at a later date.

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