Manuel Herambourg

Manuel (Mike) Desire Herambourg was born on November 1, 1944, the first of four children by his parents Desire (Henry) and Wanda. He was followed by Ardith, Darlene and Robert. They lived in Danville, IL where Mike attended school. He was on the track team and basketball team and he made the school's honor roll each year while attending Georgetown High School. He received a basketball scholarship upon graduating and attended college for two years while he worked at General Electric.

Mike was drafted into the US Army in 1968. He served his country well during his time in Vietnam, receiving the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Air Medal w/OLC, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Bronze Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 Device, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, an SS Badge with Rifle Bar (M-14), the Good Conduct Medal and the CIB.

Mike stepped on a land mine during his last mission and ended up at Fitzsimons Army Medical Hospital where he recovered from his wounds. He fell in love with Colorado and decided to make his home here. It was here that he met and married Cherrie Lucerne. The marriage lasted about 5 years.

Mike returned to college to completed his education; He graduated from the University of Denver with a BA in Arts and Sciences and earned his teaching certificate. He taught at Rishel Jr. High School. However, Mike decided that teaching junior high students was not really for him and he left teaching and went to retail sales, where he found his niche' and remained until his health forced him to retire.

In 2002, Mike and Mollie married and remained so until Mike's death.
Mike was an extremely intelligent man, with a great sense of humor. He was a self taught photographer, collected stamps and art works. He loved music, museums, hiking, biking, motorcycles and reading. He was an avid chess player. He traveled all around Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming where he practiced his photography. He loved sports and discussing history, currents events and of course, basketball.

His greatest search in life was for the truth. He searched for answers, and a reason to believe in a God of love and compassion. Mike was exposed on multiple occasions, to Agent Orange while serving in Vietnam. Over the years, the effects took their toll. Mike's health suffered greatly. A strong and fiercely independent man, he finally met a foe he could not reason with nor defeat. Unable to continue living this life, Mike took the only way out he thought was available, was logical to him, the only way he thought he could find peace and an end to his mental and physical anguish and suffering. Mike often asked about God, about the Lord his wife Mollie served. He questioned her, took the books she gave him to read, discussed with her the questions he had.

Mollie would like everyone to know that her God exists, that despite what surrounds us, and He is here with us. He does satisfy those who seek Him. Mike, ever seeking, ever searching, will be satisfied. And the peace which surpasses all human understanding will be Mike's, IS Mike's, forever.