Michael Kerzman

Michael "Mike" Kerzman, 47, Bismarck, passed away on December 25, 2024.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00pm, Saturday, December 28 at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck.

The family invites you to join them for one more round with Mike from 7:00pm to 9:00pm, Tuesday, January 7 at the Sports Bar, 619 NP Ave, Fargo.

Mike was born on January 21, 1977, in Fargo, ND. The son of Thomas and Patricia (Erbstoesser) Kerzman, he grew up in Fargo, graduating from Fargo North High School.

After graduating high school, Michael gained valuable experience in various fields. He bartended at Sports Bar in Fargo and honed his skills in the plumbing industry, working for Fargo Hose Company, Northern Water Works, and ultimately rising to the position of Branch Manager at Ferguson.

When you became a friend of Mike’s, you were a friend forever.

He was passionate about the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and motorcycle riding. When he was growing up, he enjoyed playing hockey and became a lifelong fan of UND Sioux hockey. Hiking and primitive camping were among his favorite pursuits. Mike often embarked on solo adventures, venturing into the badlands with nothing but a backpack, water, and a spirit of exploration.

Mike's spirit of adventure extended beyond the familiar. He pushed his limits, tackling grueling challenges with the Iron Butt Association. He completed the Border-to-Border-to-Border Insanity Challenge that tested his endurance. He conquered the Canada to Mexico to Canada 3,064-mile, 72-hour odyssey on his Triumph Explorer in 2019.

In 2018 Mike was diagnosed with salivary gland cancer and was expected to live for six months. He more than beat the odds and lived for six more years. Mike is survived by his mother, Patricia Kerzman, West Fargo; sister, Michelle Jennison, Fargo, niece, Brooke Jennison, Fargo and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Kerzman.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Sanford Hospice for their care of Mike these last two and a half months.