January 10, 1920 – Monday, August 21, 2017

Service Information
St. Michael Catholic Church, St. Michael, MN
Wednesday, August 23, 2017
11:00 AM

Visitation Information
St. Michael Catholic Church, St. Michael, MN
Wednesday, August 23, 2017
10-11 AM

Walter Fred May was born in Akron Ohio on January 10, 1920, the oldest of four children. Like many others, his family lived through the Great Depression and he pitched in by doing small jobs like selling things door-to-door that he’d gotten at the Farmer’s Market and mowing lawns.

He was an alter boy for four years in grade school. He had three years at Hower Trade School (machinist) a final year at Central Senior High School and a year of Business College.

During his high school days he rode about 2,000 miles a year on his bicycle, especially to rifle competitions. In 1938 he participated in the Civilian Military 5th Corp Area team, and the National Rifle Matches in northern Ohio.

He went to work in 1940 in the machine trade. During WWII he served for three years in the Army Air Corp in England, France and Germany specializing in armament and electrical aircraft work. Even when he was recuperating from injuries, he was proud that he could assist other soldiers who were in worse shape than he was. He felt God had guided him to help others. After being discharged, he returned to machine work, milk sales and finally to a linen supply company for 26 years.

Walter had a wonderful and loyal wife, Tillie, whom he married in 1946 and to whom he was devoted. She held the family together, caring for the four children while he was away at work. She had a spot for the Blessed Mother in her heart. Their children were Joseph, Teresa, Veronica and George. Raising the family involved taking part in Scouting. He was a Cub Master for four years, worked on the Training Committee with District Scouting and was Secretary for the Catholic Committee on Scouting in Akron. He received the St. George Award for his dedication.

In 1974 his wife, Tillie, was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s and two years later needed full-time care, so he quit work to care for her at home for the next 18 years. During that time he helped organize and became President of the local Canton, Ohio Alzheimer’s caregiver’s chapter. In 1984 he moved to Minnesota to be closer to the three children who lived here. Tillie died in 1994 and is buried in St. Michael Church Cemetery.

Dad always praised God for being so generous to him and having his children help him when he need it. He always loved the solitude of sailing and the water scene and when he “retired” after Mom’s death, he secured a 19 foot Cat Boat and spent the next 10 summers living on Lake Mille Lac, Lake Superior and finally Buffalo Lake. It was a sad day when he sold the boat in 2007, but he was ready for his third retirement. He continued to help at church each week until 2016 when he retired from that duty, too.

Dad always had a kind heart, caring attitude and gentle nature. That’s what he passed on to his children, and why we’ll remember him with love.

He is survived by children, Terri (Ron) Moore, Vernie May, George (Connie) May; as well as grandchildren, Mat, Andrew, Elise and Jeffrey More; and great-grandchildren, Talia Moore and Sylvia Moore.