Michael “Mike” Datza

obit template2018-11-29T12:10:12+00:00

Michael "Mike" 
Datza

  • Visitation
    • Thursday, May 19th, at Hertiage Funeral Homes (16880 W. National Ave. New Berlin) from 4-7pm
  • Celebration of Life
    • Thursday, May 19th, at Hertiage Funeral Homes (16880 W. National Ave. New Berlin) starting at 7pm

 

Michael “Mike” Bernard Datza passed away at the age of 57, peacefully surrounded by his daughters after a courageous battle with mesothelioma on May 7th, 2022.

Michael was born April 25th, 1965 in Milwaukee, WI. He was an accomplished track and field athlete who went on to work for school districts as the Buildings and Grounds Director. He had a way of fixing the unfixable and a knack for teaching his trades. He was respected by all employees and truly cared for them. Outside of work he loved nature, hunting for antiques, and his land in Mauston. He had a fondness for the champagne of beers, Miller High Life, and traditional Polish cuisine. He had been known to cut up the dance floor, and make just about any situation funny with his sarcastic humor.

Mike retired in August 2021 with dreams of enjoying his land up north and traveling to places he’d never been.

Michael is preceded in death by his parents Walter and Geraldine Datza, and nephew Patrick McLaughlin. Michael is survived by his beloved daughters Sarah(Michael Semrow) and Megan, his four older sisters, Kathy(Pat) McLaughlin, Christine(Fred) Kirch, Connie(George) McNair, Mary(Chuck) Moore and countless nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends. He also leaves behind his cherished canine companions, Sadie, Lulu, and Casey.

A celebration of life will be held at Heritage Funeral Homes in New Berlin on May 19th, 2022 from 4-7pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to Elmbrook Humane society are appreciated.

11 Comments

  1. Robert Ellis May 11, 2022 at 10:15 am - Reply

    God’s speed brother…safe journey…enjoyed our conversations and all the laughs!

  2. Paul Brown May 11, 2022 at 10:56 am - Reply

    Mike was a great friend as we hung out with his 1970 Caddy and great to work for him as a contractor at Greenfield schools. He will be very missed.
    I hope we will consider Mikes passing as we all need to choose to live this life with eternity in mind, living to trust and obey Jesus Christ, our only hope.
    My prayers are with the family.

  3. Jeff Harris May 11, 2022 at 11:17 am - Reply

    I worked 7 years for Mike when he was the building & grounds supervisor at Elkhorn Area School District. We had good working relationship and always had good conversations. He will be missed.

  4. Bill Trewyn, Business Manager EASD May 11, 2022 at 1:17 pm - Reply

    I had the pleasure of working with Mike while he served as the Building’s & Grounds Supervisor for the Elkhorn Area School District for 7 years. In addition to work , I enjoyed talking with Mike about his vehicles, hunting land up north and family. He will be truly missed. My condolences to his family.

  5. Douglas Charles Woeckener May 11, 2022 at 2:24 pm - Reply

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    My deepest condolences to Mikes family. I had the pleasure of knowing Mike in school as well as cross country and track. I hope Mike has found eternal peace as he is called home

  6. Jeff Rademacher May 11, 2022 at 4:06 pm - Reply

    I met Mike in 1976. We were in CCD class together at Holy Apostles. My Mother was the teacher and I quickly got us both kicked out. A little foreshadowing, I think. Buddies through middle and high school. It was nothing to ride bikes the six miles between our driveways …With cars, the world was our sand crab. Always the attention getter, Mike was the 7th or 8th funniest men I knew. He touched many people, (some with permission). Far too many stories I don’t dare share here.
    Like a flash, 40 years later and blessed with our own beautiful families.
    . Here we are. And you are gone.
    .
    Mike, I love you like a brother. Always will
    Selfishly, my heart is broken.
    To you, God speed.
    Till we meet again.
    Love.

  7. Alan Goytowski May 12, 2022 at 11:43 am - Reply

    May the God of all comfort comfort you during this time of loss.
    I appreciate how Mike supported a part time custodian to attend tracings off site and within the district. He supported me during my adjustment to the new routines and was patient with my rants.
    Thanks Mike.

  8. Cindy Corona Long May 12, 2022 at 5:05 pm - Reply

    Megan, I am so sorry for your great loss of your father…cancer is a terrible disease that takes way too many young people…I know that fact because both my late husband and my son passed away due to cancer at 41 and 38…Although I never met your dad at conferences, I know he must have been a wonderful man since he had such a wonderful daughter, you!!
    Love and hugs
    Cindy Corona Long
    6th grade teacher at Bay Lane Middle School

  9. Julie Burns May 12, 2022 at 7:31 pm - Reply

    So sorry for this profound loss.

    Praying for comfort for your family.

    Julie (Schmidt) Burns
    NBHS Class of 1983

  10. Diane May 13, 2022 at 2:14 pm - Reply

    So sorry to hear of his passing ,

  11. Conrad May 18, 2022 at 8:33 am - Reply

    Mike Datza…the “Polish Stallion”….already missed and will always be missed. Great guy, great colleague, great worker, great friend. Condolences to your family. Mike had a positive impact on so many people. He will always be remembered for treating others with respect and kindness. The hard work and fun times will never be forgotten. RIP Stallion.

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