OBITUARY: Dave Domzal

Dave Domzal was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Lucille and Ervin Domzal on September 25, 1950. His only sibling, Janis, was already waiting for him. The family of four moved shortly afterward to northwest Detroit. He called it home until he graduated from the University of Michigan in 1972 with a degree in electrical engineering.

While a student at the University of Michigan, Dave met fellow student Theresa Weber. They were married in 1973. Theresa joined him in Toledo where he worked as an electrical engineer at Toledo Edison while studying part time at the University of Toledo College of Law. After his graduation, they bought their first house and soon welcomed son Mark to their family. Shortly afterward, the family moved to Illinois where sisters Rebecca, Bethany and Alyssa were born. In 1987 the family moved to Beverly Hills, Michigan.

Dave practiced law for nearly 50 years. He was especially proud of his work on projects that cleared way for the redevelopment of the Detroit riverfront and the revitalization of the downtown area. When they retired, Dave and Theresa moved to Colorado. Dave spent many days on the slopes and together they hiked and kayaked. Dave loved road trips and they crisscrossed the country to visit family and friends, often taking in sites along the way, especially our beautiful national parks.

Dave had a lifelong commitment to fitness and athletic competition. His first sport was badminton. In 1966, he won the Men’s 15 and Under Singles National Junior Championship and the Men’s 15 and Under Doubles National Junior Championship. He later switched to tennis and earned a varsity letter at the University of Michigan. Running later became his favorite fitness activity. He competed in races for the rest of his life and especially enjoyed participating in various races (including triathlons) with his children. Wherever he lived, his neighbors recognized him as the guy they saw running by their homes nearly every day.

Throughout his life, Dave participated in volunteer work, often serving in leadership positions. For many years, he served as a board member of Crossroads of Michigan, a social service organization. As a retiree, Dave deployed with the Red Cross to provide disaster relief services throughout the country. While living in the mountains, he worked with the Summit Foundation to provide pro bono legal services to local nonprofit organizations. No matter how many other commitments he had, Dave was always an active member at his church. He was a hands-on volunteer who was frequently seen around the church with his toolbox in hand.

Dave’s memory will be cherished by his wife Theresa; children Mark (Kristin Kastner), Rebecca Hutchison (Scott), Bethany Sanders (Jonothan), and Alyssa Domzal (Derrick Ollinger); and grandchildren Julia Domzal; Erin, Abby, and Fiona Hutchison; Owen and Caroline Sanders; and Abbey Ollinger.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests memorial contributions to the Domzal Family Scholarship here: https://giving.umich.edu/um/w/janis-a.-domzal-scholarship-in-nursing-702706

Dave will be remembered by all for the constancy of his love, his selfless sharing of his time and talents, and his resolve to make the world a better place through service to others.