Ken was a very Kind Catholic Christian! Was a sharing giving man!

Ken and I were colleagues when we worked at the Office of Health and Medical Affairs for the State of Michigan. Ostensibly, I was his supervisor, but he really didn't need any supervision. Ken had an unusual combination of intellectual abilities. He was an excellent analytic thinker and writer, but unlike me, he also had a complete command of mathematical concepts and the ability to easily  use math as a tool of analysis. He had an extremely logical mind, sometimes to a fault. When I would ask him to explain something to me, he was always compelled to go through every step of the logic from beginning to end. I sometimes kidded him by saying, "Ken, I get that part and you can move along faster." But he couldn't do that; he had to go through every step to make sure I understood. I got a real kick out of that. I miss him.

I am just learning of Ken’s passing. I worked with him at DTMB. He was a brilliant man and I learned so much from him about demographics and the census. We worked together through the 2010 Census and beyond. He also had a very dry and funny wit. We shared many laughs. 
He shall be missed. 


I had the pleasure of working with Ken for years.  His role as state demographer was performed with great professionalism.   The obituary notes his wit.  I was not only the beneficiary of his wit, but also the beneficiary of that twinkling expression when he was aware that I got it.  What a good man!  Sandy, I’m confident you will carry great memories in the years ahead.  I hope that in the near term, they outweigh the grief you will also carry.  Rest In Peace good and faithful servant.  

To the Family of Ken Darga,
I worked with Ken in the early 1980s for the State Office of Health and Medical Affairs.  He was a good colleague, and we occasionally ran into each other in downtown Lansing during our careers.  I am so sorry for your loss.  It was lovely to see all these photos of his beautiful family over the years, and the deep happiness that he clearly felt.  

Dear Sandy, Michael and Matthew and family. Although I did not know Ken well, we were graduates together in the class of '70 from U of D High. It heartens me to read his obituary, and see what a man of God, family, and community he was. He was a true servant-leader, especially to the neediest. Please know of my prayers and consolation for you all, and that I'll remember Ken in my Mass intentions.

Grace, peace, and solace in the Risen Lord,

Fr. Bert Chilson
St. Stephen Catholic Church
Glenwood Springs, CO

I would echo Mark Doman's comments.  Ken was a truly decent guy in high school, who would hear our weekend "stories" on a Monday and then give you that "how have you survived this far in life" look - he was a Dad before his time!  Glad we were able to spend some time chatting at The High reunion last year.  So sorry for everyone's loss of a real gentleman. Your family is in my prayers. - Nigel Fullick '70

I am deeply saddened that my classmate at UD Jesuit High School has passed away. I had an unique vantage point of Ken because I sat behind him in almost every class for four years. I learned to appreciate his wry humor and subtle (and successful) approach  to the challenges at the High. He could communicate a lot with just an upturned eye or a crinkled smile. I saw Ken at our belated 50th reunion and I am glad we had a chance to chat for a few minutes.
In the world of coincidences, I just learned that Ken married a Fedewa. My Mom, Dolores, was a Fedewa whose Dad was Benno. Small world. 


Grandpa meeting Adelaide (Second Grandchild) for the first time 2018.

Grandpa Playing with Lucy (First Grandchild) 2017.

Dancing at Matt and Elizabeth’s Wedding. 

Walking Matt down the aisle for Matt and Elizabeth’s wedding 6/27/15. 

Darga family at Matt’s graduation from GVSU. 

Maierhauser and Darga family gathering for Jude’s baptism 2020. 

Grandpa and Jude (third grandchild) Christmas 2020.

Helping Matt and Elizabeth avoid temptations. Matt and Elizabeth participated in a Detroit Diocese young adults advent challenge.

When he ran for public office as a pro-life Democrat, I voted for him.  Sincere condolences to the Darga family on your sad loss.   From a fellow long-time Parishioner at Church of the Resurrection.

Ken was a very generous, thoughtful man. He will be remembered as a kind and Catholic friend to many people! 

I first met Ken as the State Demographer on the 5th floor of the Library of Michigan. I was managing the Library for Blind Persons on the ground floor. When he made a fascinating presentation to library staff on the U.S. economy from a demographic point of view,  I invited him to speak at the Lansing Lions Club and he said that not only would he speak, but he'd like to join our club because  he believes in community service.  He did so in many ways: serving as club treasurer; soliciting donations from area businesses for our annual fundraiser; applying stain to the gazebo at the Lions Sensory Garden at Potter Park Zoo; helping to stage the downtown Christmas parade; arranging for a jointly sponsored blood drive at Resurrection Church; and much more. He will be greatly missed by all. Rest in Peace, Ken. -- Sue C, Lansing Lions secretary

I was very saddened to hear of Ken's death. I was Ken's first boss after graduate school, when we both worked for the state of Michigan. He was a wonderful colleague--thoughtful, kind, and insightful. He had the unusual capacity to be excellent at mathematics and also extremely analytic and a very good writer. We had some good discussions, including about the nature of God. Our two perspectives were quite different, but we were both understanding of the other's point of view. I admire him for the work he did during his long career for the state of Michigan. I will miss him.

On behalf of the Board of Michigan Democrats for Life, I want to pay tribute to Ken, who was our founding President. He helped to form the Board and the Michigan Chapter of Democrats for Life. Ken was tireless in his work toward all life - for the whole life - and was the backbone and leader of our Board. He worked very hard and was extremely dedicated and always very kind. We will really miss not only his leadership but his presence and his kindness.  He and his family will be in our prayers and his influence will always be part of our group.
Barb Kelley (President Pro Tem)

I remember Ken Darga who lived across the street from me and my family on Allen Street when I was not much older than 5 or 6 years old.
He would come by in his big heavy coat, sometimes hiding gifts for my brothers and sisters and I within it's many pockets.
Other times he would stop by to visit with our family, and would swing us kids around in the front yard like an airplane.
He was a great man, a wonderful neighbor and friend, and the greatest example of a Christian man any of us could dream of, or hope to have. 

Sandy and family,
Ken made a big impact on me and Michigan Dems for Life, the organization we formed together many years ago. He was a wonderful leader and gentle spirit. I hope we can carry on in
Ken's memory and spirit for the cause of life. 
Bob Anderson

Ken was an unusually thoughtful man with a tender heart and convictions of granite.  He had a rare gift of being able to examine issues from many perpectives and sharing insights that would otherwise be overlooked.   His keen intelligence was focused on serving others and, above all, God.   My respect for Ken has only grown through the years.    I'm looking forward, my brother, to seeing you again.

OBITUARY

Kenneth James Darga

6 August, 1952 – 14 April, 2022

Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes

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