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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  

#9 Sherry Wright 2026-03-28 12:51
Michael will truely be missed by my son Eric Davis Knixville, Tn. He and Michael made a lot of memoriesover the years R I P my friend!
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#8 Adam& Margie Walden 2026-03-26 13:36
Mike was such a nice polite, young man.
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!
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#7 Rachel Greenwood 2026-03-21 15:51
I’ll always remember him riding his horse to school when we went to alternative in Chelsea he was a great guy!!
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#6 Jesse Hall 2026-03-16 19:57
CELEBRATION DETAILS:
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
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#5 Gentry 2026-03-15 23:30
From Wyoming to Michigan to Canada and to Montana, I was blessed to have known Mike for 25 years! That unmistakable accent. The love he gave to his friends and family. The memories of my 1st Nascar race with the Wild crew, the unforgettable trip through Canada and the surprise visit to Montana with an entire trailer full of monkeys, I will never forget this sweet human. Life leads us to unforgettable people. And in the quiet quiet mind we learn to grieve another soul who was taken for no good reason. Many prayers to his family and friends. We lost a good one. God speed Mike. See you on the other side, hopefully in a magical place like Prince Edward Island...and don't forget to bring the monkeys!
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#4 Maryann Myers 2026-03-15 16:48
Maryann and Rick
My heart goes out to you and your family
Love Maryann Myers
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#3 Charles McMillan 2026-03-14 19:20
I definitely remember him from middle and high school. He was always a good guy. Prayers for the family and friends. He will be missed I’m sure.
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#2 jane Bryan 2026-03-13 11:33
Prayers to the Family
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#1 Kelly Tracey 2026-03-12 13:38
Michael will be missed by so many!
Edit- not a rodeo clown. Michael was not the entertainment. He was a bull fighter, working as cowboy protection.
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