Donald Datz

Our beloved husband, father, brother, and grandpa, Donald Datz, passed away unexpectedly on December 26, 2021, on his family farm. He was 70 years old.

Donald was born on May 29, 1951, in Saginaw, MI, to the late Stan and Lynn Datz. He attended Vassar High School and graduated with the Class of 1969. After high school, he served in the United States Army and was stationed in Korea during the Vietnam War.  He was a lifetime member of The American Legion Red Arrow Post 151. He married the love of his life, Judy Anderson, on March 14, 1981. Together they have four children and six grandchildren. This year, they celebrated 40th wedding anniversary. Don retired from Delphi-Saginaw Steering Gear Plant 6 in 2005. After retirement, Judy and Don bought Bay Villa Lodge in Whitefish Falls, Ontario, where they hosted fishermen and hunters. Don was a man of many hobbies but some of the ones we will always remember are his love for tinkering and collecting things to repurpose for new use. He was an avid outdoorsman, especially when it had to do with boating and fishing. He loved being on his family’s farm and building things. He was a part of the Planning Commission for Vassar Township for several years. Don's favorite thing of all, though, was being a great loving husband, father, grandpa, and friend. He will be dearly missed by many.

Don is survived by his wife, Judy. His four children: Dora (Brian) Moore, Jo Lynn (Rick) Gauthier, Craig Datz, and Kirk (Alex Creason) Datz. Six grandchildren: Brandon, Tyler, Matthew, Steven, Anna, and Jayna Moore. His sister Debbie Bunker (Randy Baldwin), and brother-in-law James (Anita) Anderson. His nieces and nephews: Kris (Kaitlyn), Aaron (Carlin), Emily, and Adelynn. His lifelong friends: Doug (Diane) Bielert, Henry (Connie) Hornung, Tino (Connie) Piazza. In addition, by his extended family and many friends.

Visitation will be held at Hanlin Funeral Home on Sunday, January 2, 2022, from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. The funeral for Don will be on Monday, January 3, 2022, beginning at 4:00 p.m. with a time of visiting before at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers please make a memorial contribution to PBS. The family also invite you to Willow Springs after the funeral on Monday for a time of fellowship and dinner.

Hanlin Funeral Home

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