This page is dedicated to those in our rehabilitation community who we have lost. Stories and comments will be shared here as we receive them.

Frank Herd

https://www.bradshawfuneral.com/obituaries/francis-herd-jr

As I sit here and write this letter about the loss of a MRA board member and true advocate for individuals with disabilities, I ponder the things I have learned from him and the about job placement, connecting with businesses, governmental affairs and scattagories. Frank demonstrated that never give up attitude.

A couple of specific examples include him stepping up to work on the Spotlight and we all know that getting content can be difficult as we are all busy, but he would send that reminder to saying, “your input would be welcomed for this issue” and I would sit down and write it immediately.

He also stepped up to help with conference planning and soliciting sponsors. He worked on the game night trivia.

In light of the recent political violence here in MN and the uncertainty of the national and state budgets and priorities, Frank would have been the first say, we need to work harder to build those connections, respecting the difficult work that our political leaders do, and acknowledging that we still have a lot of work ahead of us.

Frank served on the MN MRA board and the MN JPD board and the NRA JPD board and NRA board. He took those responsibilities seriously and could be counted on to get things done.

Working with individuals, he worked tirelessly to build connections with businesses and was never afraid to make one more cold call or visit. He was responsible for countless opportunities for people to become meaningfully employed.

He was a friend and colleague. He will be greatly missed. I have decided that in his memory I will work harder to make that one more call or visit because you never know where that might lead and the impact it could have on the lives of those we serve. I hope you consider doing this also in his memory. We as a board and MRA membership will be doing something more formal at our one day gathering. We were informed that he loved his anniversary so much, which is in the fall, and it seems appropriate to match our celebration of his life at that time also.

My sincere condolences to all that knew Frank. May we carry his work forward.

Submitted by: Doris Illies, Illies Consulting

Joe Dargay

https://www.maxsass.com/obituaries/joseph-dargay

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our dear colleague and friend, Joseph “Joe” A. Dargay.

Joe was a valued member of the L&S Consulting family. Our clients loved him, our staff loved him, and he was the kind of employee every organization hopes to have—dedicated, compassionate, and genuine. His kindness, compassion, and unwavering authenticity touched everyone who had the privilege of working with him. He brought a unique spirit to our team—one marked by quick wit, warm humor, and deep loyalty.

As an employment specialist, Joe was a true advocate for the individuals he served. He had a remarkable ability to connect, mentor, and genuinely care. Many clients remained in touch with Joe long after working with him, which speaks volumes about the lasting impact he made through his encouragement and support.
Beyond his professional role, Joe was known for his appreciation of life’s simple joys—long walks with his beloved dogs, time spent outdoors, and nurturing the relationships that mattered most to him. His quiet strength, courage, and compassionate heart were evident in all that he did.

We honor Joe’s life and the legacy of kindness he leaves behind. He made our workplace, our clients’ lives, and our broader community better simply by being himself. Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Thank you, Joe, for everything you gave to our clients and our team. You will be deeply missed.

Submitted by: Shannon, L&S Consulting

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