Joseph Andrew Dargay

Joseph (“Joe”) A. Dargay of Fridley, MN, was born 8/18/76 in Minneapolis and died 2/4/26 in Oconomowoc, WI at the age of 49. Preceded in death by his father, George Dargay; cousin, Becky Weiss; maternal grandfather, Ed Weiss; paternal grandparents, Dr. Cyril & Kay Dargay; uncle and aunt, Bill and Karen Weiss; uncle, Chuck Brush; and beloved canine buddy, Brody.

Joe lives on in his survivors: mother, Maggie Kirner (Dave); sister, Katie Herrmann (Mike); niece, Noelle Herrmann; grandmother, Mary Weiss; best friend, Aaron Krull; special aunt and godmother, Mary Dargay; favorite uncle, John Dargay; countless other relatives and friends; and not to be forgotten, his furry friend, Aspen.

Joe will be remembered for his witty, ever-present sense of humor and his steel-trap memory, which was a virtual vault of indelible family lore, dates, facts about Minnesota history, and experiences that made him laugh over and over again. He loved to reminisce, and anyone who knew him well understood that he was deeply impacted by the genuine, loyal relationships he formed with others. Experiences with loved ones were of supreme importance to Joe.

A gentle and sensitive soul, Joe was unique in that he steadfastly maintained the courage to always be his authentic self and to stand up for his principles of kindness and compassion toward all living things.

A devout Catholic, Joe earned his Bachelor of Science degree (cum laude) from Cardinal Stritch University, where he was most influenced by the teachings of the Jesuits and St. Francis of Assisi. In his career, Joe especially enjoyed his time as a job placement counselor, where he mentored disabled youth, many of whom still kept in touch with Joe after he could no longer work.

Never one to be prideful or materialistic, Joe was completely content with simple things, and he prioritized the ordinary experiences that for most people, life leaves little time: exploring the outdoors, watching ducks swim at the pond, taking long walks with his dogs in any type of weather. A devoted Minnesotan, Joe loved all things NE Minneapolis; when not out participating in the community that shaped him, he spent time on his hobbies, including guitar, falconry, birding, writing, and photography.

With an incredible sense of hope and will to live, Joe endured tremendous suffering for over two years as he fought kidney cancer with stoicism, quiet strength, and an unshakable faith in God. Special thanks to Cathy Nielsen and Liz Adatte, who continually and altruistically supported Joe throughout the entire duration of his cancer journey.

His favorite poem, “‘Hope’ is the thing with feathers,” epitomizes Joe's complex understanding of this world.

Private funeral services will be communicated at a later date.

If you wish to honor his memory, donations to Midwest Animal Rescue or Angel's Grace Hospice would surely make Joe smile.