David John Datz passed peacefully at home on September 3, 2014 surrounded by his family after a two year fight against kidney cancer. Dave was born on October 2, 1951 in Saginaw Michigan; the only son of John and Kathryn Datz. He grew up in Vassar, MI where he attended school, graduating from Vassar High School in 1969. After high school, Dave enlisted in the US Army including service in Vietnam. He was proud to have served his country as had his father before him. After military service, he went to work on the bottling line at the Carling’s Brewery in Frankenmuth, MI. This work led to a lifetime career in the bottling industry, including 20+ years with Pepsico, a job he truly enjoyed while he got to travel the country and work with many great people. Dave was in charge of many innovative products with Pepsico and highly regarded in his field. He was employed with Pepsico at the time of the onset of his illness. In 1980, he married Mary Jo Alvord of Millington and they shared many trips to northern Michigan especially to Torch Lake where Dave was happiest being on the water while piloting his boat. Dave loved the out of doors especially fishing, bow-and-arrow deer hunting, snowmobiling, also Friday night card games with his buddies, the MSU Spartans, and his cat Sniper. He also loved designing and creating with his hands and would willingly tackle such projects as building a cooker and enjoying Camp David, his favorite retreat in recent years. Family and friends celebrated many occasions at his home where Dave was host, and barbeque cook extraordinaire, enjoying games and spirits in the downstairs. During the past two years, David was blessed to have a respite in his illness where he enjoyed good health which allowed him two blessed events, walking his daughter Mari down the aisle and seeing the birth of his grandson. David is survived by his wife of 34 years, Mary Jo, of Davison, daughter and son-in-law Mari and Steve Trupiano of Ortonville, and infant grandson Mason. He is also survived by sister Angela Datz Strawn (husband Richard) of Sacramento, CA along with in-laws Bill and Mary Alvord of Millington, plus many cousins, nieces and nephews. Dave was predeceased by his parents John and Kathryn Datz of Vassar. The family will receive friends at the Hanlin Funeral Home on Friday from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm and also at the St. Johns Catholic Church in Davison MI on Saturday from 9:300 am until services begin. Funeral mass for David will be celebrated at 10:30 am Saturday Sept. 6, 2014 at the St. Johns Catholic Church in Davison MI, Fr. Carl Simon will celebrate the mass. The burial will follow at the Millington Twp Cemetery in Millington, MI. The cemetery services will be concluded with Military honors conducted by the Davison American Legion. Hanlin Funeral Home has been assisting the family with the arrangements. You’re welcome to express condolences and share memories at hanlinfuneralhome.com