Michael Robert O’Bryan, 68, of Sturgis, SD, went to be with his Lord on October 15, 2023, after a long-fought battle with IPF at Monument Health Hospital Rapid City.
Michael was born on January 3, 1955, to Thomas Patrick and Merial Marie O’Bryan at Fort Benning, Georgia. His father served in the military, and the family moved often when he was young. As a child, his family lived in Yankton, South Dakota; Ludwigsburg, Germany; Fort Meade, Maryland; and West Palm Beach, Florida; where he spent his teenage years and early adulthood. He pursued a career in carpentry, worked in construction, and later decided to follow in his father’s footsteps by entering into Law Enforcement. After completing the Police Academy, he worked for the Riviera Beach Police Department in Florida as a patrolman.
It was during this time that God was about to change Mike’s life forever. On January 31st, 1982, while working on patrol, he took a witness statement from Deborah, who was in Florida on vacation from Minnesota. After a 5-month long-distance relationship, he moved to Minnesota to be with her, and they were married on June 20, 1982 (when he left the Florida P.D., there were bets that he would be back as Minnesota was too cold). While in Minnesota, he worked for a window manufacturer and gave his life to the Lord. In 1984, they had their first child together, continuing his role as a father. However, his heart was still in Law Enforcement, to which he returned in 1985 when he began working for the Sturgis Police Department. Mike continued to serve on the Sturgis P.D. until his health required him to retire in 2017. He always sought to perform his duties as unto the Lord and loved being of service to others. Mike always cherished the fellowship of the officers and first responders he worked alongside during his service. He received the Medal of Valor in 1990.
While Mike enjoyed hunting with friends and family, he truly loved working with technology. As time went on, he became proficient in building and using computers, and helped develop the Sturgis Police Department’s first webpage. He treasured spending time playing computer games with his children and grandchildren, allowing him to maintain a strong connection with them no matter how far life took them. His family held immense significance in his life, and he was willing to go to great lengths for their well-being.
Michael is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Deborah, as well as his four children; Katrina (Xavier) Serrano of Orlando, Florida, Katie (Tyler) Valandra of Sturgis, South Dakota, Jacob O’Bryan of Moorpark, California, and Benjamin O’Bryan of Mesquite, Texas. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren; Jalin, Makenna, Clark, Atlas, and bonus grandchildren Lillyanna, Christian, and Haitia; two sisters, Patricia Dinslage of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Penny (Timothy) Brady, of Mount Joy, Pennsylvania; one brother, Timothy (Tracey) O’Bryan of Royal Palm, Florida.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Merial and Thomas, a brother, Alan O’Bryan, a sister, Terry (O’Bryan) Gulley, and a baby brother.
The family kindly requests that those with special memories of Michael share them to be compiled into a book that will provide his young grandchildren a way to know their grandfather. Please send these memories to [email protected] or share them with one of his surviving family members during the funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established for the Believers Fellowship Rebuilding Fund. The family invites you to a time of fellowship and refreshments following the burial at the Sturgis Fire Department. Thank you for your presence and condolences.
Visitation will be 1-3 p.m. on Sunday, October 22, 2023, at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis, SD.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. on Monday, October 23, 2023, at Kinkade Funeral Chapel with an interment to follow at Bear Butte Cemetery in Sturgis, SD.
Memorial has been established to Believers Fellowship rebuilding fund.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com.
