Michele Rae Knieriemen, 43, of Apopka, Florida, passed away January 26, 2017. Ms. Knieriemen was born July 13, 1973 in Apopka, FL. She was a Nurse Practitioner. Ms. Knieriemen is preceded in death by her father Thomas Knieriemen. She is survived by her mother Sandra Knieriemen and brother Eric Knieriemen both of Apopka. Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, March 12th, 2017 from 12:00pm-4:00pm. There will be a service, followed by food, music, pictures (bring one and there will be plenty that you can take with you) and a cash bar. Please let Eric know through Facebook, if you plan to attend for a head count. Venue: Lakeside Reception Hall, 4005 North Orange Blossom Trail (441), Orlando, FL 32804.
The Day the Cardinals didn't come!
Someone once said that cardinals were angels in a physical form here to let us know that our loved ones are still close. There has been a small flock of 3 cardinals that play around in our front yard every morning enjoying the corn I throw out for them and blessing us with their song and beauty. On this day, the cardinals never came. All we heard was a distant call. Your body was resting while your mind and heart struggled with the idea of having to leave us behind. The cardinals had taken their spiritual form and were now hovering around your bed waiting for you to take their hands and join them in heaven. We know you finally found peace and comfort as a new cardinal appeared with the very next sunrise. It may be coincidence that a new cardinal showed up to join the flock of three, but I know that it is you comforting us.
Michele, you were my best friend through everything in life and I am so fortunate to actually be your brother. You understood me from an early age, as you did most of the talking for me until I was two or three. We had our fights, and times where we did not get along, but I never questioned the love you had for me and I hope you never questioned mine for you. Some might say you lost your battle with cancer, but I say you still won the war. The time that we spent before your self-diagnosis could not compare to the quality time after. I know you felt bad when diagnosing someone with cancer and I would always tell you that you gave them the greatest gift and that is time. This is time that would no longer be wasted on petty differences, instead, replaced with love and understanding. We are all only allotted so much time on this earth, and you my dear, have squeezed every second out of it right to the end. There is a poem called the "Dash" but for you, we'll need a long line. We will all miss you very much! Love you Sissy bug!
Eric
Michele you are the most wonderful daughter a mother could ask for. You have always been driven to work hard for anything you wanted, sometimes to a fault. Never giving up even when the odds were against you. Always giving to others in many ways, whether it was friendship, motivation, medical advice, medical research and or just a shoulder to cry on – even though I know you shed a lot of tears in silence for yourself. It was family, friends, students and patients that made you want to keep going on and giving with all of your heart.
From when you started as an EMT, then paramedic working on the ambulance going to school to become a fire fighter, then RN always working nights and holidays. Still not satisfied you went on to get your Masters in Nursing become an ARNP with a dream of opening a clinic in a rural area and helping people who could not afford health care. It was at this time in your life you found you had a brain tumor and needed to be fighting your own battle, but that still did not stop you. Nine years you fought this battle, going for treatment every 2 weeks and 1 1/2 hour MRI's every 2 months, most people would have given up but not you as you still had more lives to touch!
Eric and I are taking good care of Maggie and Jack and they are adjusting to being a part of the pack.
Hopefully you told your Dad how much we have missed him this year and gave him a hug and kiss for me. I know you both are having fun as that is what you two do best together.
Love your Momma
Julie Cruz Allen says
Julie Cruz Allen says
Sandy & Eric, my deepest sympathy and warmest hugs for you and your family. I consider it joy & a blessing to have known and loved beautiful Michele. She was an amazing woman in many ways and will be missed terribly! Oh my heart aches! However, no more pain, no more chemo, no more tears as when she is resurrected she will have a new & healthy body. Until that day, Michele, rest in peace. I love you! I will continue to pray for comfort and peace for all left behind with hurting hearts. All my love, Julie
Lynn ( Knieriemen) Benfant says
I’m very sorry for your loss Aunt Sandy and Eric. I wish as cousins that we had all been closer and more in each other’s lives. I was remembering all of our trips to Florida every year growing up-Easter egg hunts, beaches, theme parks, all the bugs,etc. You will be missed Michele , but now you are with your dad & grandparents and you are no longer suffering.
Julia and Andy O'Brien says
Allison Esposito says
Julia OBrien says
Michele, you were an amazing friend and I am so thankful for having you in my life. You made so many lives better just by being there. After your first surgery, you said “I want to run a marathon!” Well, you did–you ran a 9-year marathon and crossed the finish line arms up high and a smile on your face. Til we meet again. Love you.
Sandra Cordero says
Sandy Cordero & family says
I will miss you always my friend..Rest in Peace. May you soar with the angels, your beloved father & Casey now..happy & healthy & whole again -love & peace to your family
Sherri Cherniawski says
Rob Rowland says
Darla and Philip Kontoulas says
Darla Kontoulaslos says
Losing someone we love is nothing easy, but knowing that we have been able to be a part of the life of Michele, we can realize that we are blessed to have been able to share in her life before she went to rest in eternal salvation along side her daddy
Sarah Blizzard says
Michele was a dear friend who had a tough exterior but inside had the biggest heart of anyone I know. She was funny, intelligent, kind, and always stood for what was right. If you were fortunate to see her working in her field of practice you would have witnessed someone who always cared for her patients with empathy and compassion. She stood up for them and advocated for the best care possible, even in some of the worst of circumstances. I have so much respect and admiration for Michele. She made such an impact on my life and I will never forget her and I know I will see her again one day because of her faith in Jesus. She will be there in heaven, sassing God and making jokes, still with the same big heart he gave her. You are loved Michele and you will be dearly missed. I am praying for Eric and your mom Sandra.
Scott and Sarah Blizzard says
Lisa Zawada says
Darrell Rudd says
Shannon (Stutzman) Blake says
Michelle was such a special lady!!!! I appreciate how much she loved my niece and nephew and treated them as her own! My family will always hold a special place in our hearts for sweet Michelle! —
Danya (Fillmon) Trussell says
Adam and Kara Hilton says
Christine Townsend says
Desi Lopez says
Desi Lopez says
Barbara Shweda says
Mike and Heidi Harkins says
Kristin Stutzman and kids says
Ashley Colman says
Nitza Padilla says
Regina says
Marshall R. Naquin says
Gina Avecilla says
Denise Mahaffey says
Lee Ann Jones-Fewell says
Velissa Valcich says
Giancarlo Carnesella says
Laci Baumgardner says
Jennifer Rodriguez says
Maggie Siliato says
Lisa Faber says
Barbara Davidson says
Karen Kneessi says
Kelly Califano says
Kathy Vencel says
Melisa, Joshua and Nicole Wojteczko says
John clickner says
Angela Mullis Ingram says
Mary Ann Jones says
Mary Ann Jones Dallas ,Tx says
Please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of your daughter and sister. I know Michelle through my daughter Lee Ann Jones Fewell. The times I have spent with her leave me with many happy, funny. precious memories. You are in my prayers.
Natalie O'Rourke says
Lynda Szumski says
Carrie Nicholson says
Florence Fricke says
Alison Marando says
Shannon Thomas says
Cindy Story says
Amy Evans says
Joan Terry says
Ruth Boone says
Karen Dotson says
Bill Watson says
Jim and Dawn Mancuso says
Lisa Ann Eichenblatt says
Ruthalee Terry says
Matt says
Bo and Jodi Thrush says
Austen Onyett says
Kathy Sauve says
I knew Michelle from working at RMA, we were both paramedics. She was so out-going and friendly and brought out the best in people, always making me laugh. I left the area over 10 years ago and lost touch with her for a while until a few years ago. I’m glad I was able to get back in touch with her and know that our friendship still remained after the long time separation. Losing her makes me want to take advantage of my life and live it to the fullest everyday. Michelle, You are too young by to be gone, but your heart and soul will remain young and with us. You will be missed.
Kathy Sauve and Family says
Rene Ruggirello ( Knieriemen) says
Naidine Spotswood and Kacie Tanner says
Todd Garrett says
Michele Colegrove says
Michele Colegrove says
I am so sorry to hear of Michele’s passing. I worked with her at Florida Hospital. We were both one L Micheles. In fact, we had another Michele who worked with us and she was a one L Michele too. Very unusual. My sympathy to her family and friends.
Marshall Naquin says
John Michael Woodward says
Shannon Vaughan says
Deborah Green RN says
Angela Nelson says