Community mourns the loss of Tony Darga, 22, in accident

An overflow crowd of area residents attended the funeral Monday, October 25 at St. Ignatius Catholic Church for Anthony William “Tony” Darga, 22, who died of injuries sustained in a work-related accident last Thursday. Darga was working on the repair of a sewer line at 685 S. Second Street when the walls of the trench around him collapsed. Emergency personnel from the Rogers City Fire and Police Departments, Allied EMS and city employees responded to the location.

After several minutes, emergency personnel managed to uncover and remove Darga. Allied Ambulance personnel treated him at the scene and transported him to Alpena General Hospital. He later died of injuries sustained in the accident. The incident remains under investigation by MIOSHA and city police.

Tony Darga, son of Mike and Judy Darga, graduated from Rogers City High School in 2000. He attended Ferris State University and then returned to work in the construction business with his dad. Darga loved to bowl and was a member of the 1999 high school state championship team. He served on the Board of Directors for the Men’s Bowling Association and coached the varsity girls bowling team.

Brian Bannasch, owner of Nautical Lanes, said Tony had been coming in to bowl ever since he was very young. “From the time he

was six years old, he was down here every single day between November and March. He really loved the sport, whether it was bowling, coaching or just watching,” said Bannasch. Tony also enjoyed working with wood, hunting, fishing, horseshoes and playing pool. He coached Little League girl’s softball, which gave him great pleasure according to family members. Cars were lined up and down the streets around the church for the funeral service at St. Ignatius that was attended by more than 500 people as friends, relatives and other members of the community turned out to pay their respects to one of their own.

Memorials may be made to St. Ignatius Catholic School or the Rogers City High School Bowling Team in care of Brian Bannasch.