MAY, Dennis 1947-2014
MAY
Posted By: K. L. Kittleson
Date: 11/17/2014 at 13:29:25
Obituary for Dennis May--
Dennis May, 67, of rural Kensett, Iowa died Saturday November 15, 2014 at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, Iowa.
Celebration of Dennis life will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday November 20, 2014 at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Grafton, Iowa with Rev. Solveig A.H. Zamzow officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday from 4:00 -7:00 p.m. at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Grafton, Iowa and then one hour before the service on Thursday at the church. Burial will be in Grafton Cemetery, Grafton, Iowa. The family suggests memorials to Hospice of North Iowa or Worth County Beautification Committee.
Dennis was born on the family farm, rural Kensett, the son of Clifford and Caroline (Walk) May. He graduated from St. Ansgar High School in 1965 and then went on and graduated from Mason City Jr. College (NIACC) in 1967. He started farming the farming the family farm in 1969 and has been steward of the land. He owned and operated May Realty in Grafton and also was a partner of Cousin’s Nursery.
He was always interested in politics and was one of the youngest county Democratic chairman in the state. He served 14 years as a state representative in 1980s, 90s and early 2000s before retiring from that position to pursue a seat on the Worth County Board of Supervisors. He was elected county supervisor in 2002 and served until his death, including being re-elected this month. He was instrumental in getting the Top of Iowa Welcome Center established, starting the Vision Iowa, Community Action and Tourism (CAT) programs. He also played an important role in securing the Manly Terminal and Diamond Jo Casino. As one of his collages said, “Dennis always sought the common good in every issue.”
He enjoyed going to auctions; garage sales; attending the morning and afternoon coffee groups; the outdoors hiking, backpacking, canoeing fishing, hunting and friendly card games. His greatest joy was spending time with his family especially with his step grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
He has been a lifelong member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Grafton where he has served on various committees.
Dennis is survived by his wife Sharon May, Kensett, Iowa; step children Dawn (Mike) Esser, Winterset, Iowa and Greg Toyne, Manly, Iowa; four step grandchildren Nicholas Toyne, Manly, Iowa, Gabe Esser, Winterset, Iowa, Brandon Toyne, Manly, Iowa and Luke Esser, Winterset, Iowa; two brothers Ronald May and John May both of DesMoines, Iowa; three sisters Lois Schultz, Manly, Iowa, Shirley (Gaylord) Olson, Emmons, Minnesota and Carol Leschefske, Albert Lea, Minnesota; mother-in-law Patricia Stilfield, Hampton, Iowa; sister’s-in-law Cherie (Paul) O’Donnell, Hampton, Iowa, Chrys (Randy) Dahm, Oceanside, California and Deb (Larry) Saunders, Lacey, Washington and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister Mardell Mueller; father-in-law Charles Stilfield and brother-in-law Richard Stilfield.
Bride Colonial Chapel, 110 Spring St., Manly, Iowa. 641-454-2242. ColonialChapels.com
Source: Colonial Chapels website
Worth Obituaries maintained by Karon S. Velau.
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