Michael E. Knisely

Michael Edward Knisely, 66, died peacefully at home on April 25, 2021, leaving his beloved wife Jane, many friends and colleagues, and a huge extended family to remember and celebrate his life. In Asheville, Mike’s home for nearly a quarter century, he was a gracious, well-known and highly respected public servant. After a 24-year career with the Asheville Fire Department (AFD), Mike retired in 2014 with the rank of Division Chief/Acting Deputy Chief. Mike was born in Norfolk, VA, to Joanne and Carl Knisely, and was the oldest of five siblings, including: Anne (Gwen) of Kingwood, TX; Joe (Nancy) of Dearborn, MI; Karen (Steve) of Royal Oak, MI; and Pat (Melissa) of Royal Oak, MI. Like his siblings, Mike was a child of the Midwest, growing up in Ohio and Michigan. After graduating from Dearborn High School, he joined the US Air Force, where he and Jane met. After completing their USAF service, Mike and Jane eventually moved to Asheville, where they made their home. Mike joined his much-loved AFD in 1990 at the age of 36 and used to say how his (usually much younger) fellow AFD recruits would tease him: “What’s a Yankee? A Northerner. What’s a damn Yankee? A Northerner who moves to North Carolina. What’s a g--damn Yankee? A Northerner who moves to North Carolina and takes a job on the Asheville Fire Department!” Mike and Jane loved vacationing on Topsail Island every fall. Occasionally, Topsail would be the go-to destination for gatherings that would bring family from California, Colorado, Texas, Virginia and Michigan for soft-shell crabs, sharks’ teeth, music, ocean, sun and sand. And love. Always love. With his commanding physical presence and booming baritone voice, Mike could own the room just by showing up. He was as authentic as they come – no BS about Mike – and when he spoke, others listened. To some, there is little question he could be intimidating; but to his family and anyone who needed it, he could be tender and gentle. He shared a passion for the high lonesome sound of bluegrass music with his Aunt Lee and mother, who often referred to Mike as her “Tom Selleck son” because of his tall frame and handlebar mustache. He had a generous nature, dry sense of humor, and razor-sharp wit. He was a stickler for procedure, professional discipline, and safety...and had little patience for those who did not. He was a husband, son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, nephew, Chief. He was loved. An outdoor celebration of Mike’s life will be held at 2:30 pm on Monday, May 3, at Asheville Firefighters’ Association Campground. Cremation was handled by Anders-Rice Funeral Home. Mike’s wishes were to have his cremated remains interred in Michigan.