Desider (Dave) Tarkanyi

Desider (Dave) Tarkanyi, of Allen Park, Michigan, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2026. He was born to Elek and Etel Tarkanyi in Lincoln Park, Michigan.

Dave spent his younger days with his older brother Elek racing their 1932 Ford three-window Coupe. In 1949, Dave began his career at Ford Motor Company as an electrician after completing skilled trade school. At the age of twenty, he was drafted into the U.S Army and served in Korea from 1951 to 1953 in the 17th Infantry Division. After being discharged from the Army, he returned to Ford Motor Company, where he worked for forty-seven more years, retiring in 1998.

In 1961, he married his first love, Margaret, with whom he spent 16 wonderful years creating a beautiful family and setting strong roots in Allen Park. Together, they had three children: Karen (Tom) Moro, Denise Vargo, and Daniel (Cheryl) Tarkanyi.

Dave was an active member and participated in the American Hungarian Reformed Church in Allen Park and held his Hungarian heritage close to his heart. He loved fishing, was an avid fan of the Detroit Lions, Tigers, and Michigan Wolverines, and enjoyed being outdoors, working in his yard, and gardening.

After losing his first wife, Dave remarried in 1980, which added two stepsons to the family, Tom Toth and David (Janiene) Toth.

His greatest joy in life was his family, especially his kids and grandchildren: Amanda, Daniel, Zachary, Breanna, Alex, Brittney (Josh), Benjamin, and Caroline (Steve); and one great- grandchild, Kurtis.

The service will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Weise Funeral Home,7210 Park, Allen Park, with visitation from 1-3 pm and a service beginning at 3 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Dave’s memory to Folds of Honor