In Loving Memory of Michael Dennis “Mike” Knieriem

Michael Dennis “Mike” Knieriem—fondly known by close friends and family as “Stickman”—was a man who loved his family deeply, completely, and entirely in his own way.

While Mike proudly served his country for over 20 years in the United States Air Force, his family was always his priority. Above all else, he loved his wife, Debbie, with a strong, steady devotion that defined his life. He was a father who didn't always need words to show how he felt; his love was felt in his actions, his quiet pride, and his humor.

As Stickman grew older, his big heart became even more visible, often tearing up at the simplest, most heartfelt moments. He was a man of profound but stubborn pride, especially when it came to his children, who remained his greatest achievements. He was immensely moved by his daughter Michelle’s deep love and devotion to her family, holding a quiet appreciation for her husband, Les. At the same time, Mike carried an immense, unspoken pride for his son Brian, holding a deep respect for his service as an Army Officer and his 30-year career as a Soldier. He welcomed Brian’s wife, Priscilla, into the family with open arms, often teasing her as his "favorite but only" daughter-in-law to make sure she knew she belonged.

That bond was centered in his deep adoration for his grandchildren, Cole, Sammy, and Drew. They brought out a special kind of joy in their Pawpaw, who always held a profound pride and unwavering love for each of them.

Family meant everything to him, and his circle of love reached far and wide. He was a deeply devoted brother to his siblings, George, Phillip, Maggie, Kathy, John, and Lisa, and shared a bond with Debbie's brother, Richard, who was a steady part of their home for many years. Mike also held a special, immense warmth in his heart for his many nieces and nephews, always keeping them close.

Raised by a single mother, Mike never forgot the incredible strength and sacrifices of his mother, Mamaw Becky. To honor everything she carried for the family, he started a quiet tradition: sending her a card not just on Mother's Day, but often on Father's Day as well, to recognize that she had beautifully filled both roles.

Mike was a man who loved his simple pleasures. He was often at the VFW surrounded by lifelong friends, and if he wasn’t there, he could be found in his Shack-Out-Back man cave, watching the New Orleans Saints. He also cherished his regular trips to the hunting camp with friends—though everyone knew he didn't actually go there to hunt. Instead, he went with a strict priority list: sharing cold beers, trading laughs over practical jokes, eating, cooking, doing a tiny bit of actual hunting, and, of course, drinking more beer. For years, he strictly drank 14 oz cans of Old Milwaukee, fully convinced they tasted far better than the 12 or 16 oz versions, before eventually moving on to Miller Lite.

Mike modeled self-awareness and a desire to be better. He fought things on his own terms, hated hospitals, and loved with everything he had. He will be deeply missed, but his laughter, his stories, and his steady presence will be carried by Debbie, his children, his siblings, and his adored grandchildren—Cole, Sammy, and Drew—who will forever cherish their Pawpaw.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, July 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Biloxi National Cemetery, with United States Air Force honors.

The Celebration of Life reception will be held at 2501 Bienville Boulevard, Ocean Springs, MS 39564, immediately following the funeral service.

Dress for both events will be very casual, just as he would have wanted.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, West Jackson County, is honored to serve the family during this difficult time.