Jody Lynn Dantzer

Jody Lynn Dantzer passed away peacefully on Friday, September 11, 2026, in Detroit, Michigan, surrounded by her girls and her husband after a hard-fought battle with cancer. She was 51 years old. Born on Saturday, January 18, 1975, in West Branch, Michigan to Jeffery Anderson, and Norma (Diehl) Pennington. Jody will be remembered as a fun-loving woman whose greatest joy was found in her family.

Jody was a graduate of Ogemaw Heights High School, Class of 1993. She continued her education at Lansing Community College, where she earned an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Development. She worked as a dedicated Family Support Specialist with District Health Department #2 in West Branch, Michigan, serving others with care and commitment.

Outside of her work, Jody embraced life fully. She enjoyed camping, boating, spending time at the beach, playing and watching sports. She especially loved watching her children grow and took great pride in cheering them on at their sporting events. Her most recent passion was caring for her treasured grandchildren, helping them grow and learn, spending every moment possible with them.

Above all, Jody treasured her family. She is survived by her beloved husband and high school sweetheart, John Dantzer; her daughters, Alyssa Rodriguez and her husband, Isaiah, Ashlyn Nelson and her husband, Ryan, and Ally Dantzer and Nathan Woletz; her mother, Norma Pennington and her husband, Steve; her brothers, Michael Anderson, Brandan Pennington and his wife, Brittany, and Jason Pennington and his wife, Alina; her sister, Jessica Gilbert and her husband, Brian; her sister-in-law, Stephanie Holton and her husband, Thomas; and her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Larry and Eileen Dantzer.

She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Kohler Rodriguez, Stevie Rodriguez, Lennyn Nelson, and Kix Nelson, who were a special source of joy in her life. Jody is further survived by her nieces and nephews, Ethan, Alivia, Emma, Brady, Lucius, Aaliyah, Emily, and Tanner, along with many other loved ones who will carry her memory forward with love.

Jody was preceded in death by her father, Jeffery Anderson; her daughter, Arika Dantzer; her niece, Brylee Pennington; and her grandparents, Howard and Helen Diehl, and Rex and Betty Lou Anderson.

Jody’s life was marked by devotion to her family, dedication to her work, an unwavering zest for life, and a spirit that brought an unforgettable warmth to those around her. Her memory will live on in the many lives she touched and in the love and compassion she shared so freely.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, September 24, 2026 at 12:00pm at the Faith Alive Church, 2945 Hansen Road, West Branch, MI 48661. Visitation will be from 10-12pm before the service. A Luncheon will follow at the Knight of Columbus Hall, 601 Columbus Drive, West Branch, MI 48661.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to Faith Alive Kingdom Builders.