Gary Victor May

Gary Victor May, 74, died on Sunday, May 12, 2024 at his home. A gathering was held Friday, May 17, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Clear Lake V.F.W. Memorials may be directed to Elida Morris.

Gary Victor May was born May 2, 1950 to Victor May and Norma Jean May in Iowa City. Though Gary never married or had children of his own, he has three amazing people he claims as his children, Katie Robinson White, Dakotah Lee Flint and Dylan Edward Flint.

He loved traveling to Alaska, California, Arizona, Minnesota, a few places down South, even made his way to Jamaica, but settled in Swaledale, where he passed away peacefully in his home. Through his fulfilling adventurous 74 years of life, Gary was always needing to do something with his hands. From starting his own dock business in Clear Lake to building art studios, houses, decks, patios, to numerous projects all across North Iowa and so much more. Every job he had he loved helping the people he met along the way with anything, to starting their own crews. If he wasn’t building something, he would be traveling somewhere to fish or camp or anything to do with the outdoors. Inviting his good friends any chance he got. 

Every time Gary would have an amazing story to tell that he saw fit, having no problem lighting up the room making everyone laugh and feel good. Even though he lived a simple way, he really had a big life. He was a jack-of-all-trades. Gary has impacted so many and will be deeply missed.

Gary is survived by his sisters Sharon Buck and Elida Morse; brother Todd Kofoed, all of Clear Lake, and many nieces and nephews. 

Those preceding Gary in death are his grandparents; parents, Victor May and Norma (Clarence) Kofoed; brothers, Roger May and Jerry “Butchie” May; sister, Patsy Broers; brothers-in-law, Wayne Broers and Pat Morse; and close friend, Dylan Flint.

Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, is in charge of arrangements.