The family moved to Bill’s current farm and home, when he was four years old. Bill graduated from Superior High School in 1943, and served his country in the United States Marines. He served as a Private First Class aboard the U.S.S. California in the Pacific Theatre during WW II and was in Tokyo Harbor when Japan signed the surrender papers in 1945.

Bill returned home to farm and married the love of his life, Delores J. Schaper on March 21, 1947. They raised three children, John, Barbara and Kenneth. Bill enjoyed spending his spare time with his wife, children and his grandchildren. He also enjoyed woodworking in his shop.

Bill is survived by his wife, Delores May of Spirit Lake; three children, John May, and his wife, Nancy, of Spirit Lake, Barbara May of Spirit Lake, and Kenneth May, and his wife, Bonnie, of Slater, Iowa; five grandchildren that Bill loved to spoil, Brenda Lubenow, Dawn Wiederhoeft, William C. May and Lindzee May; four great-grandchildren; a brother, Jack May of Lakewood, California; and was the favorite teasing uncle to dozens of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Betty; a brother, Bob; and a grandson, Nathan.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30A.M. Monday, at the United Methodist Church in Spirit Lake. Visitation will be held Sunday, from 12:00P.M. until 4:00P.M., with the family present from 2:00P.M. until 4:00P.M. at the Schuchert Funeral Home. Burial will be at Lakeview Cemetery in Spirit Lake.