Michael Dean Bryan, 78, longtime area resident, died Thursday, November 23, 2017 at his home north of Fort Morgan. He was born August 26, 1939 in Minot, North Dakota to Paul and Rosalyn (Smith) Bryan. Mike received a B.A. in Journalism from Drake University in 1962. He entered the U.S. Army in 1963, and served six years in the Army Intelligence Service, partially in Korea, where he met his future wife MiSoon Yun. After discharge, he served in the Army Reserves until 1999, during which time he earned an advanced degree and achieved the rank of major. In civilian life, Mike began his career as a journalist in corporate public relations and retired as an investigator in the Division of Social Services for the State of Colorado. He also worked 30 plus years as a part-time tax advisor and preparer. He was a member of Saint Helena's Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus in Fort Morgan, as well as a member of the local Elks Lodge. Mike and his wife MiSoon lived in Fort Morgan for many years, starting in 2000. MiSoon passed away in 2008. Mike enjoyed boating, hunting, and church activities, and was secretly a generous philanthropist and friend to many. In his earlier years, he raised bison and turkeys on his Timberella Ranch north of Fort Morgan. Survivors include his daughter, Susan Bryan of Cortez, Colorado; step-daughter, Theresa Choi of Antioch, Tennessee; one brother, Dennis P. Bryan of Reno, Nevada; and two grandchildren, Mark Zimmer who lives in Connecticut, and Alicia Zimmer who lives in Tennessee. There will be a Rosary Vigil Friday, December 1, 2017 at 6:00 pm at the Heer Mortuary in Fort Morgan. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, December 2, 2017 at 10:00 am at Saint Helena's Catholic Church in Fort Morgan. Interment will be in Fort Logan National Cemetery, in Denver, at a later date.
Published in The Fort Morgan Times on Nov. 30, 2017