Obituary of Jerrold William May

Jerrold “Jerry” W. May, our husband, father, and grandfather, passed away from Lewy Body Dementia, September 27, 2019, at his home with family by his side. Per Jerry’s request, cremation will take place with a memorial service and burial to follow in Iowa. 

Jerry was born June 23, 1940, in Des Moines, Iowa, the son of the late Frank and Margaret (Burgess) May. He married the love of his life, Margaret Ann Smith, and the two grew their family to include three children, raising them inRochester, Michigan and Lititz, Pennsylvania.Jerry proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for four years, and was a graduate of the American Institute of Business. He went on to work at Ford Tractor in Romeo, Michigan and retired from Ford New Holland in New Holland, Pennsylvania after 35 years of service. It was then that Jerry and Margaret moved to Canadian Lakes, MI where they spent 19 years together. Jerry loved to be outside, and enjoyed fishing, boating, and camping. He was an avid Tigers fan and adored watching old movies and spending winters in Myrtle Beach.

Jerry’s caring ways will be deeply missed by his wife of 52 years, Margaret Ann (Smith) May; sister, Carol Barnes of Omaha Nebraska; three children, Michael and Wendy May of Rochester, MI, Jennifer and Thomas Torresson of Berwyn, PA, and Jill and Matt Voigt of Big Rapids, MI, and eight grandchildren, Kiera, Sydney, Shawn, Jennifer, Emalie, Jeremy, Ethan, and Evangeline. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Ronald May and James May.

Those desiring may direct memorial contributions to the National Park Association in memory of Jerry.