Matthew Melvin Demarrias, “Isnana Mani Koska” (Walks Alone) 63 of Saint Michael, ND, and Spirit Lake Nation passed away on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at his home.
The Wake for Matt was held at the Tekakwitha Center, St. Michael, ND on Sunday, May 11 with a time of Prayer and Remembrance.
Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, May 12 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church with Father Paul Schuster celebrating the Mass. Matt will be laid to rest at the “Double M” Ranch, St. Michael, ND.
Matthew Melvin, son of Martin David DeMarrias and Marlene Gourd was born on Sept. 22, 1961, at Devils Lake, ND. He was raised in the St. Michael area of Spirit Lake Nation by his grandmother Melvina Gourd until her passing. He attended Fort Totten Public School. While in school he was a Golden Glove Boxer with the local Boxing Club with Red Lohnes and Ambrose Littlewind as the coaches. He was a great boxer, beating Virgil Hill in a boxing match. He was supposed to go to the Olympic trials but due to an unforeseen accident, he couldn’t fulfill his boxing career to go on to the Olympics.
Matt enjoyed watching boxing, playing basketball, watching his favorite team the Minnesota Vikings play football, and he liked being outdoors cutting grass on the mower.
Matt will be so very missed by all who knew and loved him.
Matt’s loving family include his brothers Gregory DeMarrias and Norman J. DeMarrias of St. Michael; sisters Tammy Lightning of Canada, Joy (Davey) Davidson and Candice Anderson both of St. Michael; Many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Garry DeMarrias, Marvin Anderson Jr. and Mark DeMarrias; sister Valerie Merrick; grandparents Jacob and Melvina Gourd; uncles Kenneth “Butch” Gourd and Garry Gourd; aunt Judith Ami; nephew Grant Davidson;
Active Pallbearers were Derrick Ami, David Wee, Sam “Jr” Merrick, Val Merrick, Kyle Redfox, Lydell Merrick, Barry Demarrias, Shawnathan Demarrias, Anthony Touch “Sonny” and Tayden Reierson.
Honorary Bearers were John Posey, the Walking Eagle family, the BlueShield family, the Littlewind family, the Thomas family, the Brown family, the Green family, the Gourd family and Pernell Cavanaugh.
Online condolences may be left at www.thenelsonfuneralhome.com.
The Nelson Funeral Home of Minnewaukan, ND is in charge of the arrangements.www.nelsonfuneralhomesnd.com
