David John Glenz, beloved husband and father, passed away suddenly while on holiday in Germany on July 12, 2024, at the age of 69. He will be deeply missed.

Dave was born in Detroit, on May 14, 1955, to Emil & Eleanor Glenz. Dave grew up in Westland, MI. His multifaceted skills allowed his life to take many pathways: telecommunications, restaurant management, water systems management, manufactured home park and LP gas distributor owner. He also found time to be an EMS first responder.

Dave’s family life had been a tough one. His family life centered around his only child, Christina, until she died suddenly at Christmastime 2001. This was a loss he never got over.

After selling his gas company and real estate interests in Northern Michigan, Dave purchased a large RV and planted himself in the Florida Keys over 20 years ago. He opened The Key West Diner. This is where he met his wife Denise. The two of them were inseparable from that time on. They built a life together in the Keys, partnering their talents to run different types of businesses; restaurant, catering, movie location setup, and many others, in what people now call the gig economy.

They enjoyed being with friends and on the water in the Keys, traveling in their “Beast” (a large RV) around the country visiting friends, and Denise’s family in Michigan. One of the most important stopping points was NASCAR races. Dave and Denise were married at the racetrack in Talladega.

Dave and Denise enjoyed each other’s company. They lived together, worked together, and most importantly played and partied as one entity. After Denise died and her memorial service had passed, Dave said tearfully, “Denise and me used to do everything together work, fun, everything. We were never apart. I do not know what I am going to do.”

Dave kept himself busy going out in his boat, pulling crab traps, and taking folks out on the water. He went on his first trip outside the country, a cruise on the Danube River. It was on this last outing he died. He left us doing what he loved best, sharing with others.

Dave was a generous man. He was always willing to help folks out. He could be depended upon to have the right tools and skill set to solve any problem and did this service for many. Dave was a trusting soul, sometimes too trusting.

Dave was preceded in death by his wife Denise (Wholihan) Jackson-Glenz, father and mother Emil & Eleanor Glenz, daughter Christina Glenz, and is survived by his two brothers-in-law, Peter (Nicole) and Christopher Wholihan, many friends he shared with Denise; most especially Lisa and Nadine, along with faithful companion Rocky. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

A memorial service TBA where his ashes will be united with Denise’s off the Keys where the dolphins swim. In lieu of flowers, take a boat ride, fix something for someone, then relax with a Yuengling or two.  

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