Joseph Frank Kagenski passed away unexpectedly at his home on January 28, 2026, at the age of 59.

The son of Gary Kagenski and Joanne Stull, Joe was born on February 22, 1966, in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. After graduating from Mount Vernon Academy in 1984, he served two years in the United States Army and was deployed to Germany for the duration of his service. Upon returning to the States (and after a quick run to Taco Bell), Joe began pursuing his fascination with information technology. He spent many years at Sovex and Chesapeake Utilities in various engineering and leadership roles. In later years, Joe formed lasting friendships during his time with L Brands, Huntington National Bank, and most recently, Bath & Body Works. Of course, his most important career role was that of Family IT Support in the Herron–Kagenski households.

When he wasn't working, Joe could often be found enjoying a Newberry Sub, playing golf, or throwing darts. He was well known for his sportsmanship and great attitude, with only minimal cursing when he couldn't quite achieve peak performance. His patience, humor, and positivity were standout characteristics that made Joe a true joy to be around. He was also a skilled craftsman who combined his programming knowledge, creative problemsolving abilities, and woodworking skills to tackle projects around the house and to create thoughtful gifts for others.

Our CottonEyed Joe was also an avid musician with a broad taste in musical genres. From Ozzy to Paisley, he was supremely skilled at playing guitar, drums, and was famous for taking the most random things said and knowing a song that had those words in its lyrics.

Joe is survived by his partner, Elizabeth (Liz) Herron; his children, Nicholas, Alexandra (Ryan), and Sean Herron; his father, Gary Kagenski; his mother, Joanne Stull; his sisters, Debbie (Craig) Anderson, Lori (Chris) Bowman, Jodee (Fiela) van Rooyen; and his stepbrother, Matthew (Chris) Glenn. He is also survived by numerous beloved nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles. Joe leaves behind his cats, Chloe, Parker, Luna, and Mac, as well as his grandkitties, Panda, Bean, Sauce, and Toast.

All services will be held at the Pfeifer Woodyard Funeral Home in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. An open-casket viewing and visitation will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held the following day, Friday, February 6, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. In accordance with his wishes, cremation will take place after the services.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joe's name to the Cozy Cat Cottage Adoption Center, PO Box 283 Powell, Ohio 43065-0283, to support our local no kill cat shelter.

Pfeifer Woodyard Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.