08/03/2016
Michael James May, age 75 of Knoxville, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, August 3, 2016, at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa.
Mike’s wishes were to be cremated and visitation was held from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M., Friday, August 5, 2016, at the Winfield Funeral Home, with Mike’s family present.
A celebration of Mike’s life was held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, August 6, 2016, at the First United Methodist Church in Knoxville, with Rev. David Weesner officiating.
Mike was born in Rock Island, Illinois, on February 14, 1941, and was the son of Andy and Lauraine (Robinson) May. Mike’s family moved to Knoxville prior to Mike starting school. He graduated from Knoxville High School, Class of 1959.
Mike studied for one year at the University of Iowa before transferring to Central College in Pella, where he graduated college with a Business degree in 1964.
On August 6, 1961, at the First United Methodist Church in Knoxville Mike and Sherrie were united in marriage. To this union, they were blessed with three sons: Jeff, Greg, and Chris. Mike and Sherrie would have celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary on the same day as Mike’s memorial service.
After graduation from Central College, Mike became a partner with his father in May Construction and Excavating business. Mike and his father worked together for many years. After his father’s retirement, Mike continued the business until 1985. While he owned May Construction, Mike was very helpful to the Knoxville community.
Mike was on the Knoxville Planning and Zoning Committee, he was a Better Business Bureau Member, a member of the First United Methodist Church, and he was very proud to have helped with the construction of the Randy Wilson Track, girls’ softball field, the renovation of the south end of Ken Locke Stadium, and he also assisted with the skate park.
In 1986, Mike began working at the Marion County Assessor’s Office. During his time there he worked as a Field Appraiser, then became a Deputy Assessor before being appointed Marion County Assessor. After serving Marion County for over 20 years, Mike retired in 2007.
Throughout Mike’s life, he had a fascination with airplanes and golfing. His love for airplanes inspired him to obtain his private pilot license. He logged many of his flight hours by attending “fly-in breakfasts” with his friends. Mike enjoyed many years of golfing.
In his later years, he continued to follow it on television. After retirement, he thoroughly enjoyed his morning coffee time with his friends who were referred to as the “Grumpy Grandpas Coffee Group.”
He was a devoted father and grandfather who enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren’s school and extra-curricular activities. Mike’s family and friends loved his quick wit.
Mike is survived by his loving wife, Sherrie May of Knoxville; three sons, Jeff May of Waukee, Greg May of Knoxville, and Chris (Amy) May of Parkersburg; five grandchildren, Jessi (Jake) Mecham, Jori May, Jaci May (Jason Ripperger), C.J. May, and Nicole May; and three great-grandchildren, Chase, Tadum, and Andi.
Mike is also survived by three sisters-in-law, Loretta (Jim) Crozier of Chariton, Dixie (Joe) Felix of Tempe, Arizona, and Linda (Richard) Bacus of Iowa City; and one brother-in-law, Kerry (Pat) Spaur of Newton; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Andy and Lauraine May; and his parents-in-law, Delbert and Mildred Spaur.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to the First United Methodist Church or the American Lung Association.
Condolences may be sent to www.winfieldfh.com.
Published on August 9, 2016