of Ann Arbor, Michigan, formerly of Chelsea, and Knoxville, Tennessee, age 46, passed away Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at U of M Hospital due to cancer. He was born August 27, 1979, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the son of Rick & Mary Ann (Staebler) Rickerman. Mike graduated from Chelsea High School, class of 1998. He was a bullfighter and pick up man for the Professional Bull Riders Association and Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. He loved horses and did horseshoeing. Mike owned his own trucking business, “MJR Trucking” in Ann Arbor.
Mike is survived by his significant other, Kelly Tracey of Greencastle, Pennsylvania; his parents, Rick and Mary Ann Rickerman of Knoxville, Tennessee; brother, Matthew (Casie) Rickerman of Knoxville, Tennessee; aunts, Kathy Frisinger and Nicki Staebler; and cousins, Brian Dorer, Christy Dorer, Steve Dorer, Amber Rickerman, Tim Rickerman, Bridget Rieck, Brandon Staebler, Christen Ritthaler, Lindsey Wagner, Adon Staebler, Jeff Staebler, Scott Frisinger, and Eric Frisinger; and his Catahoula dog, "50". He was preceded in death by his aunts and uncles, Sandy Dorer, Terry Rickerman, Paul Frisinger, Paul Staebler, and Dave & Judy Staebler; and cousins, Billy Rickerman and Tracey Staebler.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, March 28th, 2 p.m. at the Chelsea Fairgrounds, 20501 W. Old US 12, Chelsea, Michigan 48118. Come together to celebrate Michael at this casual, BYOB, bbq and Mt. Dew kinda get-together! Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.
You may share a memory or leave a public message for Mike's family using the form below. Please allow up to 24 hours for us to review and post your message.
Comments
He was delightful to be around and very funny!
We appreciated his support at our rodeo, and enjoyed having him around!
God always takes the good ones too early but have faith it’s all his planning and timing.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and his his extended rodeo family and friends.
Mike ride off into that glorious kingdom and save a spot at the hitching post for those that will follow!
Come together to celebrate Michael. Casual, BYOB, bbq and Mt Dew kinda get-together!
2pm, Saturday, Match 28th
Chelsea Fairgrounds
20501 W Old US Hwy 12
Chelsea, MI 48118
My heart goes out to you and your family
Love Maryann Myers
Edit- not a rodeo clown. Michael was not the entertainment. He was a bull fighter, working as cowboy protection.