Datka, Phillip A. Coach Datka entered into God's loving arms December 30, 2014, age 69. Beloved husband to Mary (Marino) for 49 years. Loving father of Doug (Heather) Datka, Allison (Mike) Cashman, Jessica (Paul) Jacklin. Proud Grandfather of Josephine, Audrey and Dylan. Survived by siblings Ann (Jack) Getzin and Gordon (Linda) Datka. Preceded in death by his parents Leo C. Datka and Ruth, and best canine companion Champagne. Also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, numerous friends, fellow coaches/educators and players. Education: Don Bosco (H.S.), St Joseph's College (B.A.), U.W.M. (Master of Education) Awards: 2 High School State Football Championships (1998 and 2003); Inducted National High School Athletic Coaches Association Football Hall of Fame; Wisconsin Football Coaches Hall of Fame; 2015 Inductee of St. Joseph's College Hall of Fame. Visitation at Germantown High School W180 N11501 River Lane on Sunday, January 4, 2015 from 2-6 PM (Please enter at main gym entrance). Funeral Service at St. Mary's Catholic Church N89 W162 Cleveland Ave., Menomonee Falls on Monday, January 5 at 10 AM. Private burial to follow. Memorials to the Germantown High School Phil Datka Memorial Scholarship Fund or the Wounded Warrior Project.

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Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Jan. 1, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Phillip Datka

Sponsored by Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral and Cremation Services.

30 Entries

Patricia A. (Pat) Walker "the First"

January 6, 2015

What I remember best about Coach was that he cared enough to tell you what was what. I knew him as a social studies student and a reporter for the Hawk Talk, our school paper.
He was a great person to know and I send you, who knew him best, my condolences.

Keith Guerin

January 5, 2015

My condolences. Phil was a kind person, good neighbor, family friend, and caring coach. He will be missed.

Bernie Cote

January 5, 2015

Mary,
You are in my prayers at his time.

January 5, 2015

Mary,
My prayers are with you at this time.
Bernie Cote

January 5, 2015

Dear Mary and Family,
It was a tough day yesterday after hearing the news about Phil. He definitely was fun to be around and brought a smile to everyone who crossed his path. May the Good Lord give you strength to get through the days that lie ahead.
Noel Jenke

January 4, 2015

God Bless him for all the work he did at G-Town. May he rest in peace. To the Family.....May the memories you have help heal the pain in your hearts. He will live in you forever.
The Schoenherr Family

Melinda Al-Hasan (Fralick)

January 4, 2015

Dear Datka family,
It is a time of sadness, but also celebration. Phil had influences on generations, myself and my family.

He taught me S.S., I visited him too often in the Asst. Principals office, & he had mentored all 3 of my boys in football. Not only did he teach them sportsmanship, he taught they responsibility and ethics.

I would chuckle when I would see Phil hiking up and down Pilgrim Road for exercise. Constantly waving to the folks that would recognize him and beep.

A kind man that will be missed!
You will be in our thoughts and prayers.

FRANK ORZEL

January 4, 2015

Mary my heartfelt sorrow for you and your family as I was shocked to hear the news. He was quite a guy, and whenever we talked we had some fun issues. He led a full life with you by his side and accomplished a lot an both a personal and professional level. He will be missed by a lot of people!

January 4, 2015

So sorry to hear of Mr Datkas passing. May your memories someday help to heal your heart in this most difficult time.Thinking of the family and all the tens of thousands who hold Mr Datka dear in their hearts. He was such an inspiration to me and made me a better person. He will be deeply missed.

January 3, 2015

I had the honor of working with Phil in the early 70's and had the deepest respect for his dedication to students. All of them mattered to him and he had the unique gift of letting them know he cared. May his example and the goodness he achieved bring you comfort.
Jill Olsen (then Greubel) WHS staff member.

Karen Boyce

January 3, 2015

Another angel in heaven... a light will always be shining for Phil.

Karen Boyce

January 3, 2015

Phil was a great person, kind, gentle, always had a smile for everyone. I can't express how sorry I am for your loss and the loss for the community. He will be remembered as a mentor, coach, teacher, friend, family man, and a genuine thoughtful person. He was very kind to my daughter and grandchildren... and yes, my grandson when born 14 years ago received the recruiting letter from Phil. He will truly be missed and your family has lost a great husband, father, grandfather and friend. Blessings to you all.

Margie Church

January 3, 2015

I was saddened to learn that your husband passed away. You were blessed to have shared the years together. May God comfort you and your family.

Diana Dineen

January 3, 2015

Dear Mary and family,
Please accept my sympathy for the loss of Phil, the love of your life.

I go back to your beginning. I remember you both as the perfect match. Our lives took different directions but I thought of you often.
He was a wonderful man, excellent coach and educator. God bless you all in this sad and difficult time. Diana Dineen

January 3, 2015

The twinle in his eyes, myschief was not far behind.

Jim and Mary Hunter

January 3, 2015

Phil has been highly respected in our family for many years. He has done very important work in the lives of his team players throughout the years. We will be praying for you as you deal with this painful loss.

January 3, 2015

Aunt Mary - We are sorry to hear that Uncle Phil has passed away. We are thinking of you, Doug, Allison, and Jessica. I remember fondly the holidays we spent together at your house when we were kids. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
Love Always,
John, Dianne and TJ

Kathy Karalewitz

January 3, 2015

Mary - I am so sorry to hear of Phil ' s passing. The two of you were in separable. With many prayers, in time you will heal. What a great man.
Kathy Karalewitz

January 2, 2015

Dear Datka Family-
I was saddened to learn of Mr Datka's death. I remember him from my former days @ the old Washington HS in Germantown (Class of '78) and although he was "a presence to be reckoned with" I had tremendous respect for the man that he was. He seemed to look out for the kids that didn't come from ideal circumstances but made us feel that we still mattered. I salute him every time I pass Datka stadium! Please accept my sincere condolences. He was a great man!
Lisa (Howell) Pechacek

January 2, 2015

To the Datka family: I was so sorry to see that Phil had passed away. We were good friends and A.d.'s together for many years. He was a special person that I enjoyed the camaradarie with very much. He will be missed by many. John Forsythe Waupun High School--retired.

David & Diane Pautz

January 2, 2015

To Mary and Family. It's been many years since My wife Diane and I had the priviledge of Post Game sessions in the basement of the Datka Home. I was a college Grad in 1976 and had the honor of being an assistant coach for Phil on the G'Town football team. Those were great memories of a man I admired over the many years since. Men like Phil are few and far between. He was the most honest and sincere man I ever met and always did whatever he could to help a child become a man. It has been many years but my wife and I will never forget those great times and good friends from so many years ago. Phils legend will live on with the many people whose life he touched in such a positive way. You are always in our prayers

Steve Genz

January 2, 2015

GREAT MAN He will be missed..... Rest in peace COACH !!!!

Robert De Vita

January 2, 2015

Dear Datka family-
Phil was such a teacher & mentor. My Don Bosco HS classmates of '66 looked up to him as senior leader & terrific football player. As a skinny Soph I went to work for Phil's dad in Datka's shoe store. I busted boxes in the basement on Saturdays. Whenever Phil was home from St. Joe's, he'd come downstairs to find me---& talk about footbal, life, girls, school. Fast forward-- 45years later & I sought Phil out for one of those basement talks. I had just retired,, & we talked over coffee about my dream of volunteering as a HS football coach. He encouraged me to do so &, 5 seasons later, I am so glad he did..... May he rest in peace & may you draw comfort from the love of family & friends. Bobby De Vita DBHS66

January 1, 2015

Dear Datka Family,
We remember Mr. Datka as the coach when our children went to Germantown High. Your family is in our prayers during this difficult time. We just saw him in church a few weeks ago. God Bless always,
With sympathy,
The Erdman Family

Jim & Carole Gutowski

January 1, 2015

Dear Mary & Family, I knew Phil when we were just kids. We hung out, had fun and even got in trouble (just a little)together. He held a special place deep in my heart. I'll miss him. He was a special friend. Our deepest sympathy.

maureen meer

January 1, 2015

My deepest sympathy. He was a great man and will be missed

January 1, 2015

To Mary, Doug, Allison, and Jessica,
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Phil was a wonderful person, father and coach.
He will be missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Paul A. Wagner Sr.

Tayeilor Smith

January 1, 2015

Phil Datka was a loving principal and coach to my brother Dean weiland and Jill weiland he will be deeply missed by everyone my condolences to Allison and Doug and family whs grads 1987 / 1979

January 1, 2015

So very sorry for your loss. Coach Datka was my favorite teacher....a long time ago! Everyone always speaks fondly of him and he will be missed by many!

Tom Knitter

January 1, 2015

Dear Mary & family,

Josie & I are deeply saddened by your loss. I still remember with great joy my years at St. Joe's and how kind and helpful Phil was to me as a member of the football team and adjusting to college life. Phil was a great role model and has left a wonderful legacy through his years as an educator and coach. I'm sorry I will not be able to attend the service to express my sympathy in person as I am currently in Tucson, AZ on an extended stay. I will notify St. Thomas More HS so notice of Phil's death will be included in the Alumni newsletter so friends and Don Bosco classmates will be aware of his death. God bless.

Tom Knitter
SJC team mate & past President of St. Thomas More HS

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