George Ernest May

George E. May

April 27, 1938 - November 24, 2021

George Ernest May, 83, of Frazee MN, passed away at home on November 24, 2021.

George May was born to Ernest and Edith (Duncan) May on April 27, 1938 in Devils Lake, ND. He grew up on a farm and attended a one-room schoolhouse in Oberon, ND, graduating Maddock High School in 1956. He attended college at NDSSS, graduating with an associate’s degree in Civil Engineering Technology. He worked summers at the NDDOT in Minnewauken; it was during this time that he met the love of his life, Marlys (Peterson) May, whom he married on May 8^th, 1964 at the First Presbyterian Church in Minnewaukan. Their life journey started in Devils Lake ND where they welcomed their first child Alicia. In 1966 they moved to Wahpeton ND and had their boys Todd and Michael. George worked as a teacher at NDSSS in Wahpeton, ND teaching Math and Civil Engineering Tech. During the summer months he worked for L. W. Veigel Engineering Co. in Valley City, ND as a Land Surveyor.  In 1976 George finally got the opportunity to fulfill his lifelong dream when he accepted a full-time position with KLJ as Construction Manager / Lead Surveyor in Valley City, ND. He then moved his family to Valley City where he worked at KLJ until he retired in 2002.

In 2002 George and Marlys decided to fulfill another dream of theirs, they moved from Valley City to their LAKE HOME near Frazee MN. George enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren at the lake. Each year he looked forward to seeing how many loons were on the lake as well as how many babies they had. Gardening was a passion of his, as well as feeding and watching the wildlife. He enjoyed making Choke Cherry Jelly and baking cookies.

George is survived by his children, a daughter Alicia May, Lindstrom MN; two sons and two daughter-in-laws, Todd and Sharon May of Horace, ND and Michael and Julie May of Valley City, ND; five grandchildren, Austen, Conner, Zachary, Samantha, and Lauren; two great-grandchildren, Calder and Bronwyn; and sister Mary Jane (May) Rhode.     

He is preceeded in death by his wife, Marlys (Peterson) May; by his parents Ernest and Edith May; and his sister Helen (May) Nottestad. 

Memorial Service Friday, December 3, 2021 at West-Kjos Funeral Home, Detroit Lakes, MN. Visitation at 2pm followed by Memorial Service at 3pm.

Internment: Oberon Cemetery, rural Benson County, North Dakota in spring 2022.

Those wanting to share memories and condolences may use the messages of sympathy section at (www.west-kjos.com). 

George May Memorial Folder