Michael Allen Deckert

Michael Allen Deckert, 51 of Marion, SD and Tea, SD, funeral services will be at 4:00pm Friday, December 9, 2016 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Tea. Visitation will be at the Tieszen Home Chapel, Marion from 3-4pm on Thursday afternoon. Visitation will begin at 6:00pm Thursday at the Trinity Lutheran Church, Tea with a Prayer Service at 7:00pm. Michael Allen Deckert, 51, passed away on December 5, 2016 due to complications with his Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Mike was born on September 3, 1965 to Allen (Buzz) and Ann Deckert in Sioux Falls, SD. He was baptized and confirmed at the Bethel Christian Reformed Church in Marion, SD. In 1990, Mike moved to Tea, SD where he and his family were members of Trinity Lutheran Church. Mike graduated from Marion High School in 1983. He completed his undergraduate studies at Sioux Falls College where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology. Mike then attended Wichita State University where he completed his graduate degree as a Physical Therapist in 1989. He practiced physical therapy in Sioux Falls, SD for McKennan (Avera) hospital and later becoming a partner at the Dakota Rehabilitation Center. He continued at Dakota Rehabilitation Center up until his health declined and he became a resident at the Tieszen Memorial Home in Marion, SD in March of 2010. He was married to Beth Ann Dempsey on November 4, 1989 and they are the proud parents of three loving children: Hunter, Chase, and Brooke. A man of many talents he spent his days participating in all sports from basketball, football, baseball, and track and field. He was a percussionist in his high school band and played in Philadelphia and Washington D.C. in their 4th of July Parades. Being the outdoorsman he was you could always find Mike in a field with his bird dog Jake, bow hunting in a tree stand, or at the river or lake camping and fishing. He also took part in many water sports, his favorite being barefoot skiing. He would spend many hours as a young man sketching scenes of his outdoor adventures, as well as a several self-portraits. During the final months of his senior year in high school, Mike began to experience occasional muscle weakness and knew something was different. He researched his symptoms in college but wasn’t officially diagnosed with MS until 1997. He refused to let this terrible disease define him and for many years fought to stay as active as possible. Whether utilizing crutches, a wheelchair, or a scooter Mike helped coach his son’s sports teams until they were in high school. Even then, Mike was present at all the games and would often offer coaching tips from the spectators’ seats. Grateful for having shared his life, Mike is remembered by: Beth of Tea, SD; His sons Hunter of Sioux Falls, SD and Chase of Vermillion, SD; His daughter Brooke of Tea, SD; His Mother Ann of Marion, SD; as well as many numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, as well as friends, too numerous to mention, but who impacted and influenced his life in ways beyond words. Mike inspired many throughout his life. He had an uncanny ability to make friends with all he encountered. The relationships he held with his family and his friends, leaves a legacy that will transcend time. “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.” John 11:25, 26