Michael Patrick Knigge

Michael Patrick Knigge, age 45, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Milwaukee in the early morning hours of Sunday, September 28. 

Michael is survived by his mother, Mary Crombie Knigge, his younger brother Matthew Knigge, his partner in life, Heather Littlefield, as well as many extended family and friends who loved him.

Michael is preceded in death by his father, Jeffrey Knigge, his paternal grandparents Barbara Jean (Elmore) Knigge and Garland Harry Knigge, as well as his maternal grandparents James and Janet Crombie.

Michael was born in Dixon, Illinois on February 3, 1980 to Jeffrey and Mary Knigge. At the age of six, Michael and his family moved from Dixon to Delafield, Wisconsin. He attended Cushing Elementary School and Kettle Moraine Middle School, graduating from Kettle Moraine High School. Michael had many fond memories of this time in his life with his family and friends in Delafield. He loved to fish, was a diehard Chicago Bears fan, and was an animal lover throughout his life.

Michael enjoyed camping and hiking and being outdoors, but where he felt the most comfortable in his most recent years was simply being at home with his cats. He had eclectic taste in music and was constantly discovering new bands he could listen to and share. He loved to read, he loved to learn new things, and he jumped from interest to interest over the years. Whether it was fixing bikes, learning about archaeology, becoming fascinated with true crime shows or watching tech videos or how-to videos on YouTube, he immersed himself in the knowledge. He was very curious.

Michael had many jobs over the years, reflecting his lifelong pursuit of always wanting to find something new and different to explore. He was a forklift driver for Quad Graphics for many years. He held supervisory roles at some positions, including at Stein’s where he met his long-term girlfriend and partner in life, Heather Littlefield. Most recently he worked as a Claims Specialist fielding calls and helping others file for unemployment. No matter what his position was or who he worked with, Michael was loved by so many people. He just had a way of making everyone smile. We will all miss him tremendously.

Visitation for Michael will take place on Friday, October 10, 2025 at Pagenkopf Funeral Home (2228 N. Silver Maple Lane, Oconomowoc, WI 53066) from 3-5 pm with a service to follow.