J. Dale Vodraska

J. DALE VODRASKA, passed away Tuesday, December 27, 2022.  Beloved husband of Margaret.  Dear father of Christopher (Amanda) and Matthew.  Cherished grandfather of Abigail and Oliver.  Loving son of the late Joseph and Elsie.

Dale graduated summa cum laude from the Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and went on to Michigan State University where he received a Masters Degree in Horticulture with a focus in pomology.  He spent his career focusing on tree fruits. He began his farming journey by establishing Sunnydale Farms in Kingsville, OH at the site of a defunct dairy.  In the 1990's, he turned his view to the west, moving his family to an orchard at the foot of the Horse Heaven Hills in Washington.  After a short retirement in Tennessee, he began his final act by moving back to Ohio to rehabilitate Rittman Orchards with the help of his wife and sons.  He guided the complete restoration of the farm and saw it reach its centennial in 2022.

A Private family service was held.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Friends of Secrest Arboretum, 2122 Williams Rd., Wooster, OH 44691.

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