Mass of Christian Burial for 35-year old Michael Rasch will be held Monday, September 13, 2021 at 11:00 at the St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church in Rapid City, SD, with Father Ed Witt, S.J., officiating and traditional Lakota services by Merle Left Hand Bull
Burial is at the Mountain View Cemetery in Rapid City
Following the burial, there will be a Celebration of Life meal at the Mother Butler Center for Michael’s family and friends
Visitation will be Sunday, September 12, from 4:00-7:00 at the Mother Butler Center with rosary services starting at 7:00
Michael Joseph Rasch was born on November 7, 1985 in Rapid City, SD to Robert and Margarette Rasch. He died on August 31, 2021, at the age of 35 in Sioux Falls, SD as a result of a bicycle accident that resulted in a traumatic brain injury.
Michael elected to be an organ donor which resulted in life saving transplants for four families; a tribute to his generous spirit which lives on as a meaningful legacy.
Michael, who graduated from Rapid City Central High School in 2005, was the 9th child and 4th son of Robert William and Margarette Ann Rasch.
He was doted upon by his parents, siblings, and cousins as one of the youngest in the family.
He came from a very musical family of professional musicians from the Black Hills area with the bands Family Affair and Dust’N’Roxx. Michael was a talented musician himself and loved to sing and play guitar.
Michael and his younger brother Jonathan were inseparable as kids. Jonathan says Michael loved music so much he played his guitar all day and all night.
He also loved to cook, loved movies, and wanted to be an actor, he was a hard worker and for years aspired to go to school to become an electrician.
Michael was a joyful, happy young man and although he struggled at times throughout his life, he always had a smile on his face. He was always willing to give away his food or the clothes off his back to help others because he understood their struggle.
He will be greatly missed by those who loved him so much. Michael is our hero.
Michael is survived by his only son, Payton; his parents, Robert and Margarette; brothers, Tom, Paul, Bobby, and Jonathan; his sisters, Mary, Christina, Jean, Margie, and Kelly; and many nieces, nephews, and extended aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Pallbearers will be Payton Coyle, Tom Rasch, Paul Rasch, Bobby Rasch, Jonathan Rasch, and Landon Gruba.
Honorary pallbearers will be, Leonard Gonzalez, Jr., Leon Jah DeSersa, Joe Hawkins, Tristan McLaughlin, and All Friends & Relatives.
Arrangements entrusted with Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge, SD