Tyler Jeffrey Semmens

To watch a recording of the service, please use the link: https://youtu.be/hDThMkz6OdQ 

Tyler Jeffrey Semmens was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on March 6, 2023. He was born on January 28, 2002, and adopted into the family of Gary and Karen Semmens on November 24, 2003. He graduated from Grafton High School in May 2021, and was participating in the Adult Transition Program there. Tyler was a friend to all who met him and had an incredibly contagious smile. He enjoyed life to the fullest and had many adventures in his 21 years. He loved to travel and suggested very interesting places to travel to, such as a road trip to the 5 great lakes this past summer.  As a family we enjoyed multiple road trips with Tyler, from the smallest town in North Dakota to his most recent trip in February to Walt Disney World. He was able to visit 46 different states in those many road trips. He went on a 10-day graduation trip to Texas with Chauncy and Roberto. One of his favorite places to visit was at the camper in Mentor, MN, where he spent time every summer for 18 years.

At the camper he would drive his golf cart, visit with his camper friends, and spend time on his friend’s pontoon where they would let him “drive.” He loved fireworks and was always excited to watch them on the 4^th of July either at the camper or at any fireworks display we could find. In addition to spending time at the camper in the summer, he planted a garden in our backyard. He is the reason we have any plants in the house.

Tyler had a wide variety of interests and was a collector. He loved the Vikings, yet, if they were losing he would switch his loyalties to the team who had the most colorful jersey. Among the things he collected were flamingos, palm trees, Guardians of the Galaxy characters, and turtles. He frequently would face time with his family and wanted to visit with his turtle, Mikey. Besides his turtle, he was very fond of the family dog Sammy, although it was questionable if Sammy enjoyed the hugs Tyler would give him. His guinea pig, Ella, and golden retriever, Richie, were his first two special pets.

Tyler was always brutally honest, and would be telling you that you should read this faster.

Tyler was involved with Special Olympics both in Grafton and Grand Forks where he met many friends. He enjoyed being part of MySpa in the summer where he would connect with those same friends. He enjoyed going to hockey games with Annie and Keaton, where they would celebrate by dancing when the UND Fighting Hawks would score. His brother, Nate, would take Tyler ice-skating, and he was excited to join Nate’s hockey team this coming summer.

Tyler lived the past 6 years at the Life Skills and Transition Center in Grafton, ND. Prior to that he lived 1.5 years at Open Doors in Valley City. We were able to stay connected with him through multiple phone calls daily, and multiple visits throughout the month. Gary and Tyler would spend hours playing Minecraft together. Tyler would call and Gary and he would visit and plan their Minecraft adventures, sometimes for 2-3 hours. Tyler would call frequently throughout the day to chat and tell us about his day, or we would watch Jeopardy together. He called his parents every morning before school and every night before he went to bed.

We celebrated his 21^st birthday in “Tyler’s Tavern” in the basement of our home in Grand Forks. Bailey was responsible for decorating and made a beautiful wooden plaque for his Tavern. Tyler was excited to be a part of Nate and Bailey’s upcoming wedding and agreed to wear a blue suit instead of sweatpants and a T-shirt.

Tyler is survived by his parents; brother Nate (Bailey Anderson); sister Annie (Keaton Love); extended family Kassie Kuntz (John Shuler), Brianna Rodriguez-Vondal and Ilyvia Tullous. Aunts Debra Sillerud (David) and Kimberly Thompson (Jeff); Uncle Gordie Semmens; cousins Janelle Borgmann (Tim); Sara Wolbeck (Jesse); Jeff Sillerud; Eric and Matthew Semmens; God-parents, Jeff and Dawn Hanson and Yolanda Demars; many relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Oliver and Lois Semmens and Loren and Glorene Iverson.

Tyler, you were taken to soon from those who loved you. We will miss your smile, your laugh, your comment of “I know” every time we told you something. May you rest in the Lord’s loving arms until we see you again.

Memorial service will be held Thursday, March 16, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at Amundson Funeral Home.
Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the start of the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.