Michael Alan Barbknecht

Michael Alan Barbknecht, 60, of Spring Branch, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, November 23, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones after a courageous six-year battle with lymphoma.

Mike is survived by his devoted wife of 32 years, Kathleen Barbknecht; his cherished daughters, Ashley Barbknecht and Courtney Ross; and his parents, Walt Barbknecht, Janiece Barbknecht, and Charles Boardman his sister, Melessa Bryant (Tim), sister-in-law Stacy (Malcom); and his mother-in law Maria Kaiser, and many nieces and nephews that he adored. He is preceded in death by his mother, Barbara Lemke Boardman and his father-in-law Cyrus Kaiser, Grandparents Bob and Alice Lemke, Walt and Ione Barbknecht, and John and Helen Rowles, Uncle Bobbie Lemke, and Aunt Kathy and Uncle Terry Rossi, and one of his best friends Willie. Mike also leaves behind his beloved dog, Barkley, and a lifetime of friends who stood faithfully by his side-many of them brothers and sisters in spirit for more than 35 years (Chris and Ed, Ronnie and Michelle, Noel and Holly, Carolyn and Charles, Carol and Lester, Ginger, Eddie, and many more).

Born at Great Lakes Naval Hospital in Chicago, Illinois, Mike grew up in Gifford, Illinois, and later spent seven formative years on the Mississippi Gulf Coast in Ocean Springs where he graduated from High School in 1983, it is there that he developed his lifelong passion for fishing, hunting, camping, surfing, and outdoors adventures in the swamps and the Gulf of Mexico.

Mike proudly served three years in the U.S. Army as an Infantryman in Germany. After his service, he made his way to San Antonio, Texas, where he met the love of his life, Kathleen. Together they built a beautiful life in the Texas Hill Country-literally. For more than 30 years they lived in the home Mike built by hand, a testament to his skill, determination, and creativity.

A true craftsman, Mike, founded his own company MB Custom Concrete after starting his career with over 20 years in the business with his mentor Randy Rogers. Mike poured his heart into every project. His exceptional work can be seen throughout the San Antonio area, including at SeaWorld, H-E-B, local tourist attractions, and in the homes of well-known figures such as Spurs legends, He possessed an unmatched work ethic, a brilliant creative mind, and hands capable of turning concrete into art.

Mike lived life entirely on his own terms. He never met a stranger, and his loyalty, humor, kindness, and larger-than-life personality drew people to him everywhere he went. Mike was passionate about reading and was an avid reader and often read several books a month, along with his favorite past time of trying to beat friends and family in a not so friendly game of scrabble or Yahtzee. He adored his family, shared a special lifelong bond with his sister, and cherished the circle of friends who supported him through every chapter of life. He was a proud Dallas Cowboys fan, a storyteller with decades of memories from life on the road with his work crew, and a man who took immense pride in his family and his career.

Above all else, Mike loved and cherished his wife, Kathleen. Their marriage was a true love story, highlighted by a dream come true, their 30th anniversary trip to Hawaii, a memory they both treasured deeply. Mike was a Girls Dad who was determined to teach them to love fishing just as much as he did.

Despite years of pain and hardship from cancer and other health challenges, Mike fought with unwavering strength and determination for his family. In the end, he peacefully let go and joined Jesus and the many loved ones who went before him.

A Celebration of Life will be held this spring to honor the legacy of a remarkable man.

Rest in peace, Mike. You will be forever loved and always remembered.