Joseph Dennis Hardy

We lost a man of music, art, philosophy, science, and untold threads of knowledge. My sister Barb once asked him, “how do you know all this stuff, Joe?” “Well, I read a lot and sometimes make up stuff to fill in the blanks.”

Makes me smile thinking about it.

He passed away last Thursday night at Mercy Hospital while waiting for a bed at Kavanaugh House. So like Joe to leave on his own terms. Jack was with him and Liz and I quickly returned to the hospital.

Blurry, painful days, so you rely on what you know. I know that he deeply loved me, Jack and Amanda, Liz and Thomas, and especially his girls, Fae and Judy. He also loved this large, exuberant family, and it is this love that is giving us such comfort and strength right now. So grateful for all of you, family and friends.

Joseph Dennis Hardy

May 7, 1950-April 25, 2024

Joe was born in Des Moines to Miriam Firkins Hardy and Thomas E. Hardy. He is predeceased by his parents and an older brother, Thomas.

Joe graduated from Roosevelt High School and Drake University with a Fine Arts degree, going on to study printmaking at Northern Illinois University. Always interested in technology, he earned a computer IT degree and worked as a networking specialist.

He is survived by his wife Lorrie Anderson, Des Moines, his son Jack Hardy, daughter-in-law Amanda Hardy and granddaughter Fae, Kansas City; daughter Elizabeth Hardy, son-in-law Thomas Hardy and granddaughter Judith, Des Moines. His survivors also include a large and loving family of aunts, uncles, cousins, as well as dear friends.

Joe will be cremated and his remains laid to rest at a private family service.

A celebration of Joe's life will be held on Sunday, June 23rd, from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Please join us at Walker Johnston Park in Urbandale at the Giovannetti Shelter, 8900 Douglas Ave. A light lunch will be served. It will be wonderful to see friends and family! Memorials for Joe will be given to the Des Moines Art Center, where Joe and I met. I will ask that those gifts are applied to the education department for student scholarships. ~ Lorrie