Michael J. Niederhelm

Mr. Michael J. (Mike) Niederhelm, age 59 years, of Holts Summit, Mo., died Saturday, March 2, 2013, at the Cancer Treatment Center of America in Tulsa, Okla. Mike was born August 19, 1953 in Hermann, Mo., the son of Maurice and Mildred Timmerberg Niederhelm. He was married on May 3, 1975 in Linn, Mo., to Deborah Jaegers. A lifelong resident of the central Missouri area, Mike was a 1971 graduate of Linn High School and he attended Lincoln University. After attending Lincoln University, he was employed in construction with the Carpenters Local 945. He was then employed with the Missouri Dept. of Corrections as a corrections officer for 20 years until his retirement in 2002. Mike enjoyed a wide variety of activities including camping, canoeing, playing cards, fishing, bowling (he bowled a perfect 300 game), softball, and darts. He was an avid deer hunter and St. Louis Cardinal fan. More than anything, Mike could be found every weekend in the summer enjoying time with his family and friends at his river lot on the Osage River. He also enjoyed spending time with his friends from High Street Pub. He always looked forward to his class reunions and never missed one. Mike was a husband, a father, an uncle, a brother, and a grandfather. He believed his grandchildren truly enriched his life. He was known as a friend of many, and was a man that was unforgettable once known. He enlightened your life and made a point to make sure everyone enjoyed their time around him. He leaves us with enough memories and laughs to last a lifetime. He was a truly loved man and will be missed by many. Survivors include: his loving wife of 37 years, Deborah (Debbie) of the home; one son, Jamie Niederhelm of Holts Summit, Mo.; two grandchildren, Trevor Niederhelm and Ozzy Niederhelm; his father, Maurice Niederhelm and step-mother, Sherry Niederhelm of Linn, Mo.; two brothers, Daniel Niederhelm and his wife Marlene of Defiance, Mo. and Sam Niederhelm and his wife Amy of Linn, Mo.; and one sister, Kelly Niederhelm of Linn, Mo. He was preceded in death by his mother; his grandmothers, Goldie Timmerberg and Wilhelmina (Minnie) Niederhelm; and one grandfather, Alfred Timmerberg. Visitation will be at Freeman Mortuary from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, March 7, 2013. A Memorial Mass on behalf of Mike Niederhelm will be conducted at 10:00 a.m., Friday, March 8, 2013, at St. Andrew's Catholic Church in Holts Summit, Mo. with the Reverend Monsignor Gregory Higley officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Mike Niederhelm Memorial Fund or the American Cancer Society. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com