Lawrence I May

May 7, 1944 - April 6, 2023

“It is finished” - John 19:30

In the early morning hours of April 6th, God called home his son, Lawrence May. He was 78 years old.

Born in May in 1944 to wonderful parents Iven and Anne May of Lincoln, Larry was the third of ten children. Growing up in Hickman, he learned the values of work, family and faith. Picking up life-long skills on family farms, sweeping the grain elevator, and plumbing expertise from his father, he soon set his sights on his education. First to Seminary School for a year, then the University of Nebraska. His first teaching assignment was at Norris. Later he began a career in administration at Norfolk Catholic. Ambitious and eager for challenges, he eventually took his talents to teach overseas starting in Iran. The experience was transformative.

In 1977, he married his soul mate and the love of his life, Sandra (Meyer) of Lincoln. The two embarked on a series of adventures spanning the globe - snorkeling in Cyprus, riding elephants in Sri Lanka, floating in the Dead Sea, climbing the steps of Machu Picchu in Peru, hiking in the rainforests of Brasil, scaling the peaks of Petra in Jordan, and walking on the hallowed steps of the Holy Land in Jerusalem. Together, they lived and taught at International Schools for years in multiple countries in South America, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean. For over 45 years, they never left each other’s side.

After decades of being an Administrator and teaching overseas, it was time to return to Lincoln. The excitement of the larger world was happily exchanged for the simple pleasures of home. Whether enjoying rounds of golf with his brothers, teaching his grandson, Zachary, the art of fishing, or offering his son, Benjamin, sage mentorship in remodeling. Another delight was to relax and play Rummikub with Sandy in front of the fireplace or dancing on the deck to favorite songs.

Larry had a quiet demeanor about him and a familiar humor everyone enjoyed. You got the feeling there was purpose in everything he did. Larry May was an extraordinary man.

In his final four years, during his brave battle with cancer, he smiled more as he took life in stride; reassuring us of the beauty and grace life gives. He loved having guests and frequent visits from his brothers and sisters. He enjoyed sitting on his deck with Sandy watching their plants and flowers grow in the spring; leaves changing in the fall; and the glorious Christmas lights they methodically put in place throughout their yard every winter.

In the last two weeks of his life, he was filled with the love of family, the constant care and ever-present love from Sandy, and he sought the blessings of Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior, from his friends, Fr. Meysenburg and Msgr. Daniel Seiker. Larry made a difference in the lives of many. We invite you to join us to celebrate this remarkable life.

Larry is survived by his devoted wife, Sandy; his sisters Loretta Danczak, Pat (Jack) Scott, Annette (Bob) Miller; his brothers Bob (Donna), Keith (Pat), Ed (Mary), Joe (Rhonda), Ken (Irene); mother in-law “Miss Betty” Meyer; in-laws Dale Meyer, Linda (Randy) Klimm, Johnny (Rhonda) Meyer. He also loved his children: Benjamin (Sandy), Keith (Joanne), along with his three beautiful grandchildren (Zachary, Mahala, Chloe). He was preceded in death by his parents, Iven and Anne May; father in-law John Meyer; his sister, Yvette Smolik; in-laws Robert Smolik, Lambert Danczak, and Larry Meyer.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 22nd at the Cathedral of the Risen Christ. The Rosary will take place at 10:30 followed by the funeral mass at 11:00. The internment will be private.