Jimmy Hoffa’s disappearance ignores his life.
The renowned labor leader, formerly the dynamic president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, had a secluded retreat where he could unwind with his family away from the intense public eye.
Hoffa’s retreat was a modest wooden house and compound along Lake Orion’s shore, 38 miles north of Detroit. This cherished haven was where Hoffa shared memorable times with his wife Josephine, daughter Barbara, son James, granddaughter Barbara, and grandsons David and Geoffrey, alongside various family and friends. Yet, it was also the place he departed from on the afternoon of July 30th, 1975, heading to a meeting that led to his mysterious disappearance.
Hoffa riding his garden tractor with one of his grandsons. (The Hoffa Family)
He said their intention is to “preserve a bit of history.” After the closing, they decided to learn all they could about the famous previous owner.
“We’ve begun to realize the significance and the critical role Jimmy Hoffa played for labor workers of his era. He was one of those unique individuals who significantly impacted the world, and maintaining that property for the local community has become very important to us. Even though the property isn’t listed as a historical site, it holds considerable historical importance, and we see it as our responsibility to safeguard it and preserve it as best as we can,” he stated.
The Hagens have launched a Facebook page, “Hoffa House Renovations,” documenting their endeavor. The page features photos from our Fox Nation visit and showcases their efforts, such as restoring Hoffa’s handmade totem pole to its original colors, dismantling walls, uncovering long-hidden patios, and even preserving Hoffa’s wooden picnic tables.
James P. Hoffa reminiscing with Eric Shawn about his boyhood summers spent at the lake. (Fox Nation)
“The property requires extensive work, so it seemed fitting to share our progress with everyone. We’ve received messages from people nationwide who express their enjoyment in seeing the home the Hoffas treasured so deeply.”
The Hagens face a significant task ahead. The house and surrounding areas are in need of repair, with many sections overgrown and neglected. However, the couple is well-prepared, as John has 40 years of experience as a builder/carpenter, equipping him for the challenges ahead.
“Our plans for the house are to restore the carriage house back to its former glory. The foundation is sinking on one side, so we may have to tear it down and rebuild it,” he said. “There is a very large concrete patio that was uncovered next to the house. The stone bar-b-q that is on the patio is in need of serious repair. I will be taking it totally apart and putting it back together.”
Jimmy Hoffa built his kitchen. Journalist Jerry Stanecki said Hoffa boasted about it, saying, “What do you think? He did it himself.” (Fox Nation)
“The house will be redone inside and out,” he said. “The outside will look exactly as it did 50 years ago, complete with the 8-inch white siding and new windows in all the locations. The house inside will be updated to look like 2025.”
“The new owners are really good,” said Hoffa’s son James. “They will do a good job.”
The Hagens are also uncovering special reminders of the Hoffa family’s presence.
A summer day at the lake house as Hoffa’s wife Josephine embraces her husband. (The Hoffa Family)
A faint outline of “JO” was visibly written in the cement stairs leading up from the lake, for Hoffa’s wife Josephine.
The stone seawall that Hoffa built by hand with his son James, remains as strong as ever.
“We did it together,” boasts Hoffa’s son, James. “I worked with him on that. My hands would be raw, and his hands were raw, but we did it together.”
The Hagens met Hoffa’s son and one of his grandsons, David, when we visited the house.
Jimmy Hoffa with his family at his lake house. His son, James P. Hoffa is on the left along with Jimmy’s grandsons David, Geoffrey and family. (The Hoffa Family)
“Hearing the wonderful stories about Jimmy Hoffa gave us a unique insight of the human side of the Hoffa story. Jimmy Hoffa was a family man and loved his family,” John said.
“As I listened to James P. Hoffa, I thought to myself, I hope my kids have great memories of bringing their kids to my house, like he does. There is an obvious strong family bond with the Hoffas.”
The Hoffa family loved the house, and it is clear that the Hagen family will carry that on in the spirit of the illustrious former owner.
“Riddle: The Search for James R. Hoffa” airs exclusively on Fox Nation on July 31st, 2025.
Watch all eight episodes of “Riddle: The Search for James R. Hoffa,” now streaming on Fox Nation. The latest episodes, 7 and 8, “The Only Way To Stop Him Was To Kill Him,” and “The Hoffa Legacy,” include the story of the lake house.
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