Michael Bert DeMersseman II

RAPID CITY -- Michael Bert DeMersseman II was born on Dec. 26, 1982, to Robert and Paula DeMersseman. For the short 24 years of his life, he filled our lives with joy and happiness. He was a caring and loving son, brother and friend, but could not escape his own personal sorrow. Michael died at his own hand on Friday, Jan. 5, 2007. We grieve for our loss and miss him terribly. Michael attended St. Elizabeth Seton School for nine years and graduated from Central High School in 2001. He attended South Dakota School of Mines and Technology for three years. He loved studying philosophy, sociology and history. He enjoyed his music, playing the guitar and recently taught himself how to play the banjo. He spent many hours reading and writing. He dearly loved his niece, Sophia, and always enjoyed hearing about her antics. Michael leaves his parents, two sisters, Kristi (Miguel) Reyes of San Diego, and Alexis of Portland, his beloved niece, Sophia Reyes, and his maternal grandmother, Joyce Diamond. He is also survived by Mike and Kathy DeMersseman, Rapid City, Anne Dean, Minneapolis, Laura DeMersseman, Spokane, Kirsten Hangas, Missoula, Mont., Alex DeMersseman, Rapid City, Gavin DeMersseman, Minneapolis, Susan DeMersseman Holbert, Lauryn and Brian Holbert, Berkeley, Calif., Arlen Diamond and Jevne Diamond, Springfield, Mo., Candy Diamond and Laura Sumner, Rapid City, Adam Sumner, Spearfish, and Sarah Sumner-Eisenbraun, St. Paul. Chris Heutzeuroeder was his good buddy. Michael was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Bert and Louise DeMersseman, his maternal grandfather, Ben Diamond, and his cousin Tony Diamond. Wake service will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 8, at the Immaculate Conception Chapel, 922 Fifth St. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9, at ICC. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made in Michael's name to Wellspring.