Allen Peter Darzniek, whose Latvian-born name was Uldis Pēteris Dārznieks, was born in Madona, Latvia, on June 10, 1943. Allen peacefully passed away in the early morning of May 16, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents, Konrads and Antonija; his brother, Jānis; and his brother-in-law, Ēriks Straume.
Early life was challenging for the family, as they were forced from their family farm in Latvia during the Russian occupation. The family eventually ended up in displaced persons camps in Germany, where they met other Latvians who had fled the country during the war. After some time, they were sponsored by an American church and immigrated to the United States. Passing through Ellis Island, the Darzniek family moved from state to state before ultimately planting roots in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Allen attended South High School, graduated, and later gained employment as a police officer with the East Grand Rapids Police Department. Much of Allen’s career with the East Grand Rapids Police Department was spent serving as an undercover detective, where he oversaw numerous criminal investigations. His tenure as an undercover detective also led to work with the Drug Enforcement Administration on narcotics investigations targeting drug traffickers.
Allen is survived by his wife, Brigita (Straume) Darzniek, with whom he shared 57 years of marriage. Together they raised three children: John (Julie) Darzniek, Peter (Ann) Darzniek, and Kristine (Christopher) Waide. Allen greatly loved and cared for his three grandchildren, Allison Darzniek, Tyler Waide, and Konrad Waide.
Allen is also survived by his sister-in-law, Ingrīda Straume; several cousins; and family members who still reside in Latvia.
The family would also like to express their gratitude to the hospice team at Interim HealthCare of Grand Rapids for helping them guide through this journey. Visitation will be held Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 10:00am-12:00pm at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Funeral Home, 3980 Cascade Rd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. Interment Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Raymond Kalliel Hospice Foundation or the Lewy Body Dementia Association.
Raymond Kalliel Hospice Foundation
1971 E. Beltline NE, Suite 219, Grand Rapids, MI, 49525
Lewy Body Dementia Association
5 Responses
Lt Detective/DEA TFO Al Darzniek was the toughest cop most dedicated officer I ever knew, always the first to fight, the first thru the entry doors and the last to leave search warrants. A brilliant law enforcement officer that lived to serve and protect. It was an honor to be his partner and an absolute privilege to be his friend. As tough as Big Al was on the job he was just as loving to his fantastic family that he loved so much and appreciated their sacrifices as a law enforcement family. Al’s contributions to law enforcement are legendary truly one of a kind. Det/Lt Allen P. Darzniek will never be forgotten. Your watch is over brother Al rest in peace my old friend.
Brigita, Kristine, John and Peter,
We really admired your father and are very sad for you right now. Knowing he isn’t suffering any more and is in a beautiful place rejoicing, is also very comforting. I will always remember him like the picture you chose. I can hear his voice and laughter through that photo. Love to you all, Janette and Stan Felder
“Uncle” Al will be sorely missed for all the generosity, joy, and friendship he shared with our family. Dusi Dieva mierā. All our love from Uldis, Marija, Ernie, Erik and Anna Felkers
I met Al in 1984 when he was detailed from the East Grand Rapids Police Department to work at the DEA Grand Rapids Office. We were assigned to work together as partners, and we became partners for life. Throughout my law enforcement career, I never met a more skilled and tenacious investigator. As tough as he was as a Detective, he had a quick wit and sense of humor. If you asked him, “how are you Al?” his standard reply was “overworked and underpaid.” But more important than our time working together, he graciously opened the door to his home to me, where for the next 42 years, alongside his wife Brigita, son’s John and Pete and daughter Kristine, I enjoyed many dinners, football games, deer hunting seasons, pool parties, and family events. Whenever we talked on the telephone or in person Al always ended the conversation by saying, “if you need back-up, call.” Well Al, I know you are in a better place now, but I rest easy knowing that from up above, “you’ve got my back.” Rest in Peace Brother.
I had the distinct pleasure of meeting and supervising the activities of Al when he was assigned as a Task Force Agent at the DEA Grand Rapids Resident Office from 1987-1991. Al was the consummate professional in every sense of the word. He worked tirelessly to identify, investigate, arrest, and help prosecute criminal drug traffickers impacting not only Michigan but throughout the United States and foreign countries as well. Al would go out of his way to assist others whenever necessary. Al and I had frequent conversations about our respective families from 1987 until the present. He was a loving husband and Father to his family. Al will be forever remembered by me and countless other law enforcement professionals for his dedication to duty and family. Rest in Peace Brother.