Joseph Dak

Joseph Thanyiel Dak, 19 of Storm Lake, died Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, S.D.

Funeral services will take place Saturday, Feb. 10, at 11 a.m. at United Methodist Church in Storm Lake. Burial will be in Storm Lake Cemetery. Visitation will be held Friday, Feb. 9, from 2-9 p.m. at United Methodist Church Family Life Center in Storm Lake. Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements.

On Oct. 30, 2004, Joseph Thanyiel Dak was born to Sarah Guen and Peter Dak Luth at Buena Vista Regional Medical Center in Storm Lake. He was born with a smile and a zest for life, which would remain his entire life. He attended school in Storm Lake Community School District.

During his time in elementary school, Joseph loved going to the Storm Lake Roller Rink with his friends. He was super stoked to be able to “cross someone over” during basketball even at the young age of his super-stardom. Meanwhile, teachers had to make new seating charts daily due to Joseph’s infectious growing friendships. Some say that if you have a talent, you need to exercise it — well, Joseph was very talented in showing off his silky-smooth chocolate cheeks, especially while jumping high for his friends.

His popularity soared even more in the middle school years. Joseph was involved in many events including football, basketball, wrestling, track, baseball, choir and band (saxophone and drums). The middle school plays were of great interest to Joseph so he could display his comedic side in both Mary Poppins and Mulan. Even in the midst of middle school dances, he was ready to cut it up and wear his red shirt and matching red pants. Many of Joseph’s sayings that still echo in the halls “Hawk baby,” “Oh yeah baby,” and “Part of it.” Summers included so much time at King’s Pointe Water Park with friends, often being chased and being rule breakers. Trying to be secretive, yet all of them wearing matching trunks. Other fun times were spent playing in the Dvergsten’s wiffleball tournaments and watching movies and memorizing quotes from Billy Madison, Benchwarmers, and Sandlot. Many of the sayings and comedic comments that flowed from Joseph’s mouth were contagious and hilarious, even “out of pocket.”

High school memories included more football, basketball and baseball. Additionally, he was involved in Storm Lake FCA and United Methodist Church Youth Group and playing drums for the church praise band.

Many of the hobbies Joseph had revolved around his friends and their shared love of music and food. Free styling and eating LaJuas were his favorites. Hanging with his friends at their houses and becoming a local celebrity in and around his local community. Often, he was found to be playing 2K and Madden on his PlayStation.

His favorite professional sports teams included: Boston Red Sox, Green Bay Packers and Houston Rockets. Music was so important to Joseph, especially NBA Young Boy and many country artists.

Joseph was one of a kind, God doesn’t make mistakes. He made Joseph and he was perfect in His eyes. His legacy will be one of being friends with everyone he met and being positive. Joseph celebrated other people’s victories like they were his own. Forever remembered as a man of integrity, loveable, non-judgmental, goofy, unique, impatient, hyper and energetic. Many of his friends expressed how Joseph will always be unforgettable, magnetic and selfless.

On June 15, 2023, Joseph was baptized in the St. Louis area by Pastor Jett while he was a resident of Adult and Teen Challenge of St. Louis. During this time, he spent much of his time reading the Bible and working on his faith walk with Jesus. Often Joseph would say, “Who is going to listen to a 18 year old black kid?” Yet, many people did listen to him and were drawn to him for his laughter and his friendly and sincere demeanor. Pastor Jett mentioned that his staff had never laughed as much as they had when Joseph was in residence, nor had they been this sad in learning of his passing.

After Joseph left St. Louis, he returned to Storm Lake for a short while. During that time, he caught up with many friends and made many more memories including horseback riding and participating in the 4th of July parade. Everyone knew Joseph and it was often said he could have been mayor of this town.

Kingdom Living was the next chapter in Joseph’s life. He moved to Des Moines to take part in this transitional program for those suffering from alcoholism, addictions, etc., and needing a place to transition back to life, work, etc. This offered Joseph a sober living arrangement and a program of action and social events. Again, it should be no surprise that Joseph made a huge impact here as well. Before long, he was known by many members and making friends and others laugh even when the times were tough.

He worked at PDM Precast which is a production company for cement walls. He was known to be a fast learner and always smiling. Joseph made many days better for those around him.

Joseph’s life was one where people were naturally drawn to him. No matter what was going on inside him, his priority was to make other people’s days better. He loved comedy and laughing. His antics and Joseph-isms will be forever cherished by his family and friends. May his death not be in vain, and may everyone who knew him be a little kinder and seek Jesus as Joseph did. His memories will live on forever in all who knew and loved him.

Those left to love Joseph forever are his mother: Sarah N. Guen; brothers: Garhoth Dak; Luth Dak; sisters: Nyakong Dak; Nyamal Dak; Nyakim Dak; Nyamauch Dak; Nyabiey Dak; Nevaeh Liam; nieces and nephews; cousins: Thejen Luoth; Geng Luoth; extended family and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Peter Dak Luth; uncle, John C. Luoth; and aunt, Elizabeth Nyachan Gony.