Mathew J. Kerzman

Mathew James Kerzman, 42, Fargo, entered eternal glory on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at Sanford Medical Center in the hour of Divine Mercy surrounded by the Love of Jesus and Mary. He was greeted by both his mom Lila Brunkhorst Kerzman (1986) and dad James Kerzman (2015). Mathew fought a long battle against a traumatic brain injury (TBI) he suffered on August 1, 2013.

Mathew’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. (CDT), Saturday, July 20, 2024 at Spirit of Life Catholic Church, Mandan with Fr. Basil Atwell O.S.B., and Fr. Christopher Kadrmas as concelebrants. Interment will take place at St. Placidus, Mott following the Mass and luncheon at 2 p.m. (MDT). Chaplet of Divine Mercy and Vigil are on Friday at 7 p.m. (CT) at Spirit of Life Catholic Church, Mandan.

Mathew was born in Hettinger, ND to James and Lila Kerzman of Mott, ND on June 11, 1982. He was an artistic and joyful child and the youngest of six children. After his mother Lila died when he was four, his dad remarried Jill Dietz Kerzman and added four new siblings to his life. Mathew always enjoyed music, art, friendships and just having fun as a kid. Mathew attended St. Vincent’s Catholic grade school and then Mott Lincoln High School. Mathew faced challenges in his life, but also had strength and resilience in battling his addictions. While overcoming these challenges, Mathew began to study graphic design at Bismarck State College. He was also an entrepreneur, doing freelance photography and pottery and working as a representative for Cutco Knives.. Mathew worked full-time as a cook at Paradiso in Bismarck while attending BSC. He loved weight lifting, motorcycling, reptiles, stray cats and skateboarding. Mathew had a great heart and was always helping out a friend. Mathew bought a motorcycle before he bought a car and when he did buy a car, it was bright sunshine yellow. Mathew also was a natural musician and taught himself to play the guitar, and the drums. He always had a strong love for music. He was very much an artist throughout his whole life with drawings, ceramics and tattoos. Many friends received his artwork and tattoos from him.

On August 1, 2013, Mathew suffered a traumatic brain injury after a skateboarding accident. Despite his life being forever changed, Mathew REFUSED TO SINK. His family never gave up on him. Mathew worked very hard for 11 years battling his brain injury. Even after his accident, Mathew went on to create artwork for so many people and even started his own blog (https:mjk-arts.weebly.com) to share his positivity and beautiful artwork. Shortly before his passing, Mathew became a member of the Knights of Columbus at St. Anthony’s in Fargo, ND. Mathew refused to sink; that was not only his motto, but his heart. He would end his blog by stating “MJK, TBI Survivor. If I can stay positive…SO CAN YOU!” Mathew lived life to the fullest and loved his family and friends more than anything. Mathew loved everyone and despite his corny flaws, he always tried to make everyone laugh or feel better. At Kerzman gatherings, he was known for walking up behind one of his siblings and giving them the most amazing shoulder rub. He loved to play all games, including rummy, chess and cribbage. He loved to play these games before and after his accident. No one could ever leave his room without one of his free business cards to see his blog and his artwork. While in his presence, he made sure to tell as many jokes to make you laugh that he could. Music, art, jokes, massages, tattoos, writing, positivity and love are just a few reasons he will be missed so much by so many. Even though Mathew is now with the Lord, he will be greatly missed.

Mathew is survived by his mom Jill (Dietz) Kerzman, who was his mom since the age of five; his siblings, Lisa Marie Kerzman Miller, Minneapolis, MN, Scott (Shelly) Kerzman, Becker, MN, Lynn (Ryan) Adelman, Boise, ID, Brad (Jody) Kerzman, Bismarck, ND, Kysa (Kale) Rasmussen, Sidney, MT, David (Jessica) Kerzman, Fargo, ND, Kileigh (Jacob) Maki, Moorhead, MN, Nick (Emily) Gard, Fargo, ND, & Caleb (Amanda) Gard, West Fargo, ND; a special uncle that was like a second father to the family, Jerome Kerzman, Dickinson, ND; 28 nieces and nephews, one great niece, one great nephew, and a special friend that was like another brother Brian (Briana) Kautzman, Fargo, ND; as well as numerous aunts and uncles and cousins from the Kerzman, Brunkhorst and Dietz families and many close friends and classmates.

Mathew was preceded in death by his parents (Jim and Lila Kerzman), his grandparents (James and Ione Kerzman, Lillian and Lawrence Brunkhorst, & Francis Dietz), and four uncles.