Michael C. Niekamp, "Spiker", age 76 of St. Henry, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, at EverHeart Hospice Care Unit in Greenville, surrounded by his family.

Mike was born on September 15, 1947, in Celina to the late Paul & Dorothy (Rutkowski) Niekamp. He married his wife, Barbara (Subler) Niekamp on May 31, 1969. She survives in St. Henry.

Mike is also survived by their seven children: Todd Niekamp of Shantytown, Wis.; Terry and Cheryl Niekamp, Kevin and Stacy Niekamp, Steve and Jackie Niekamp, and Laura and Josh Brown, all of St. Henry; Beth and Paul Droesch of Chickasaw; and Sarah and Nathan Jenkins of West Allis, Wis. Also surviving are 20 grandchildren: A.J. and Carli Niekamp, Kaylee and Jaren Fishbaugh, Jeremy Niekamp, Olivia Niekamp and fiance Dilyn Good, Zachary, Lucas, and Mia Niekamp, Clay, Wade, and Zane Niekamp, Quincy, Lainee, Tucker, and Chase Brown, Addie, Logan, Carter, Simon, and Joanna Droesch, and Bodhi Jenkins, and two great-granddaughters, Stella Fishbaugh and Ada Niekamp. Surviving siblings and in-laws include: Pat and Mary Niekamp, Ron and Doris Niekamp, Bob and Ginny Niekamp, Paul Jr. and Judy Niekamp, Tom and Janice Niekamp, Jack and Becky Niekamp, Joe and Cheryl Niekamp, Tim and Debbie Niekamp, Mary and Dave Sterling, Joan Stover, Gene and Nancy Subler, Dave and Sue Subler, and Sherri Subler.

In addition to his parents, Mike was preceded in death by an infant daughter, a grandson Nate Niekamp, his father- and mother-in-law Bob & Helen Subler, and in-laws Gerald and Greg Subler, and Jim Stover.

Mike was a 1965 graduate of St. Henry High School and served his country for six years in the Army National Guard. He was employed by the village of St. Henry for over 30 years, most of those years serving as the village administrator. Mike had a passion for this community and was especially proud of developing and improving the growth of the village. Over the years he had been a member of the Mercer County Fair Board, Mercer County Elks, the Jaycees, Kiwanis, Saint Henry Community Club, Volunteer Fire Department, and American Legion. He, along with a few others, helped to start the fifth and sixth grade basketball programs in St. Henry. Mike was an avid card player. He enjoyed fishing, especially the annual Niekamp fishing trip, along with the many trips to Lake Erie with his family and friends. He loved golfing, especially with his regular Sunday group, and his favorite hole being the 19th hole at the Mercer Co. Elks. He enjoyed sporting events, always rooting for the Redskins, Browns, Findlay Oilers, and the Buckeyes. Mike always loved watching his kids and grandkids compete and giving his constructive criticism after the games.

A private graveside service will be held in St. Henry Cemetery.

The family would like to invite all extended family and friends to join them in celebrating Mike's life on Friday, Jan. 26, from 7 to 10 p.m. at the St. Henry Knights of Columbus hall. Refreshments and snacks will be provided.

Condolences for the family may be expressed in person or at hogenkampfh.com.