Frank Merlin May Obituary
It is with great sadness to announce that Frank Merlin May, long time resident of Sturgeon Bay, passed away peacefully at the Hamilton Nursing Home in Two Rivers on Saturday, Jan 7th, 2023, after a long battle with cancer, which he fought fiercely until the very end. Frank had just turned 78, which was a goal he had set for himself, along with having cataract surgery, seeing the first photos of the universe from NASA’s Webb Telescope, and making it until 2023.
Frank was born December 18th, 1944, to the late Merlin (Sparky) and June May, née Werkheiser, of Sturgeon Bay. A graduate of Sturgeon Bay High, he never married. He worked in a wide variety of jobs, including building silos in the Midwest and traveling all over the United States as a Security Services Manager for the Wackenhut Corporation. In 1999, Frank initiated and became President of the Cyber Phoenix Project, a nonprofit organization that converted old computers into functional one for the disabled and the financially-challenged, receiving an award for his creative enterprise. He had a quick witty, and was known as a master of minutiae. He was often quite amused that others fought to get him on their team for trivia games. He was always willing to share his vast knowledge with everyone, whether over Facebook or while having a cigarette (one vice he absolutely refused to give up) with friends. He loved eating his favorite breakfast, French toast with strawberries, at the 3rd Ave Cafe in Sturgeon Bay. He was an avid chess aficionado, always ready to play a challenging game, and even carrying his own “daunting” chess set - with such pride!
Frank was preceded in death by both parents, and by his brother, William Roger May. He is survived by five siblings: Richard (JoAnn Hoffman May) of Madison; Lynne May of San Rafael, CA; Robert (Linda Luenser May) of Madison; Anne May Steffel (Thomas Steffel) of Crandon, WI; and LTC (R) Marie A May of Granbury, TX; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
On a separate note, Frank’s siblings wish to extend a heartfelt and special “thank you” to all those who were there for Frank (and you know who you are), helping, supporting, and always cheering him on throughout his very lone and trying journey. Frank was truly amazing, he never complained (unless his pain was out of controlled), never gave up hope (always reaching for his goals), and he NEVER said NEVER! Frank so appreciated even the smallest of gestures from anyone, whether a visit with a good friend (if the winter roads were clear) or simply a telephone call (whenever it worked)! Life was always so special to Frank, and so will be his everlasting peace.
A celebration of Frank’s life is being planned for later this year. In lieu of flowers, please donate to his favorite charity: the Door County Humane Society (please!). Deja & Martin Funeral Chapels of Two Rivers were instrumental in assisting the family with arrangements.
Please leave a note of sympathy for the family at the end of this announcement.
