Michael DeMann was raised in North Minneapolis and had two brothers who served in WWII. Shortly after graduation form Minneapolis North High School, Michael was called to active duty with the Minnesota National Guard for the Korean War.

in 1951, he was the honor graduate of the Chief Medical Aidman School at the Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Michael served as detachment sergeant with a medical detachment attached to an engineer combat battalion at Fort Rucker, Ala. He also received training at Fort Benning, Ga.

After two years of active duty service, Michael entered reserve status with the Minnesota National Guard until 1957, as a second lieutenant, later being promoted to first lieutenant. Michael later earned B.A., M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in Psychology from the University of Minnesota. Post doctoral training brought him to the Veterans Administration Hospital in Minneapolis. In 1965, he established a private practice in Minneapolis until his retirement in 1996. Michael also served on the executive council of the Minnesota Psychological Association. He resides in Eden Prairie with his wife Carol.