Stephen Buit Datzman

Stephen B. Datzman, age 73 of Bonita Springs, FL, passed away Thursday, July 16, 2020, surrounded by the love of his life wife Vickie, children, and granddaughter. Steve lived a life of intellect, curiosity, dedication, tenacity, and humor. Born on October 29, 1946 in Lafayette, Indiana, he was the firstborn son of Don and Kate Datzman.

After graduating from high school, he served in the U.S. Navy where he worked on the Polaris missile program in the 1960s. Steve earned his bachelor’s degree in computer science from Purdue University and later did his graduate work at the University of Miami in Florida. Steve worked for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in Miami. He was a scientist who flew aboard planes that went into the eye of hurricanes to collect data. Some of the software he developed while with NOAA during that time is still in service today. Steve applied his computer science expertise at a variety of companies including Digital Equipment Corporation, Hewlett-Packard, and for defense contractor Harris Corporation at its world headquarters in Melbourne, Florida, where he was recognized for his outstanding contributions. He also founded a government-registered encryption business called Mobility Software Products Inc. (MSPI) and a variety of other ventures.

Steve was an avid scuba diver and talented woodworker. He was a healthy man who began lifting free weights at age 13 and did so his entire life. During their years in Key West, he and his wife Vickie volunteered with many organizations important to him such as the Florida Keys SPCA and the NOAA clean ups throughout the Keys.

Steve’s legacy lives on in his family – wife, Vickie (Black) Datzman; children Alex Datzman (Alicia), Hans Otiker, Fritz Otiker, Heidi Otiker; granddaughters Mia Otiker and Grace Datzman; brothers Ken Datzman, Jerry Datzman (Karen), John Datzman, Dick Datzman, sister Anne Heffern (Bill); and a host of nieces, nephews and special friends.

Due to the fact that Stephen passed away during COVID, no services were held. Please join the family for a Commitment Ceremony to honor Stephen’s life. Services will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025 at 9:00am at St. Charles Catholic Church, 58 West Fifth Street, Peru, Indiana with Deacon Steve Seitz officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery in Peru. Military honors will be provided by the Miami County Military Rites Team. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.

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