Edwin May Obituary

Dr. Edwin George May, Town of Hull, passed away at the age of 87 on November 26, 2024, at Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer.
Dr. May was born November 22, 1937, in Chicago, IL; son of the late Edwin and Lillian (Nape) May. He grew up in the area where he attended local schools and graduated from St. George High School in 1955.
Following high school, Dr. May began his hard working journey of becoming a physician. He first attended the University of Notre Dame, obtaining his undergraduate degree in 1959. From there, he attended Stritch School of Medicine of Loyola University in Chicago, graduating in 1963. Shortly before graduating, Dr. May was married to Phyllis Kolleng. The two were wed on November 17, 1962, and spent 62 years together as husband and wife.
The next step in Dr. May's career was his medical internship and residency, which he completed in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Cook County Hospital in Chicago. He also completed his clinical staff appointments at Northwestern University. From 1968 to 1970, Dr. May served in the U.S. Air Force before taking his first position with Rice Clinic in Stevens Point, where he worked with Dr. John Riordan. Over the years, the practice grew to include six practitioners. Dr. May's professional career included holding the position of President at Rice Clinic as well as being a Chief of Medical Staff and Chief of the Surgery Department. Furthermore, he served on the St. Michael's Hospital Foundation Board, the Stevens Point YMCA Board for 23 years with two stints as President, the YMCA Foundation Board as President and Executive Chair, the Community Foundation Board for 9 years, and volunteered his OB/Gyn services at La Clinica in Wautoma serving migrant workers. Dr. May proudly practiced medicine in Stevens Point until his retirement in 2002. As Dr. May once said, "I was fortunate enough to practice medicine in Stevens Point. My field of endeavor was just as much of a benefit to me as it was to the individuals for whom I provided the services. Simply put, I received in return as much as I gave."
Following his retirement as a physician, Dr. May remained focused on healthy activities, such as golf, skiing, swimming, and biking. He loved to golf and spent countless hours watching tournaments on TV and reading books on how to improve his game. He also enjoyed skiing and spent five years on the ski patrol at Granite Peak. Additionally, he was involved in the competitive US Masters Swimming Program, competing in Wisconsin, national, and international swimming meets. Although a physician by profession, he was an excellent teacher as well, taking time to teach others how to improve their swimming technique. As an avid bicyclist, he enjoyed going for bike rides with Phyllis, with friends, or on his own. No matter the activity, his competitive nature never left him. In fact, he would say, while laughing, "At my age, there's less and less competition. So as long as you hang in there, your chances of winning get better and better!"
While Dr. May will be remembered for many great accomplishments, more importantly, he will be remembered for his great sense of humor, his immeasurable kindness, and his genuine concern for his family, friends, coworkers, and patients.
Dr. May is lovingly survived by his wife, Phyllis; their four children, Beverly (Joe) Hicks of Hinsdale, IL, Michael (Holly) May of Mequon, WI, Karen (Dan) Weeks of Mercer Island, WA, and Lynette (Scott) Terhune of Wauwatosa, WI; and 10 grandchildren.
The family would like to extend a special Thank You to the doctors and nurses at Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital and Cancer Center for the exceptional care provided to Dr. May and his family.
For those wishing to express their sympathies, the family kindly suggests in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Dr. May's honor to Holy Spirit Parish (2151 Stanley Street; Stevens Point, WI 54481) or the Stevens Point Area YMCA Foundation (1000 Division Street; Stevens Point, WI 54481).
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, January 10, 2024, at Holy Spirit Parish - 2151 Stanley Street, Stevens Point. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM at the church and continue until the time of Mass.
Shuda Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family.
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