Norman May

1951 - 2023

Norman May
Born: June 20, 1951 in Princeton, IL
Died: March 25, 2023 in Princeton, IL
Princeton - Norman Chris May, 71 of Princeton, IL passed away on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at OSF St. Claire in Princeton surrounded by his loved ones.
Norman was born in Princeton, IL on June 20, 1951 to the late Verle and Lulu Mae (Thomas) May. He was a graduate of Malden High School, Class of 1969. He attended IVCC, receiving a degree in Agriculture Science in 1971. He married the love of his life, Rita Zimmerlein on March 12, 1971 at the First Lutheran Church in Ohio, IL. They recently celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary.
He joined the United States National Guard serving from April of 1971 until he was honorably discharged in December of 1976. He received numerous medals including: sharpshooter, conduct and Military Justice.
Norman and Rita made a home on the family farm. They ran the farm together and raised their four children; Taunia, Alicia, Brendon, and Evan, who all took part in the care of the farm; land and animals. He was a member of the Church on the Hill Princeton, IL and most recently a member of First Lutheran Church in Ohio, IL. He was also a member of the Princeton Moose Lodge.
He loved spending time with his wife and family, enjoying home cooked meals, playing with grandchildren, sharing music, stories, teasing and laughter. His grandchildren loved to ride in the tractor and play on the farm. He had a love of karaoke and his deep rich bass voice lended him the nickname of "Johnny Cash". His amazing sense of humor was a treasure that even when he was down, he loved making others laugh. Norman was always a friend, never a stranger.
Norman is survived by his wife, Rita May of Princeton, IL; four children: Taunia May (Nathan Roos), Alicia Bolin (Mike Preissner), Brendon (Vicki Nelson) May, and Evan May (Abby Bugari); seven grandchildren: Kaedyn Bolin, Madyson Bolin, Ryan Bolin, Lauryn May, Gavin May, Megan May and Rachel May; two sisters: Pam (Gerald) Miller, and Shari (Greg) Missal; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by his parents, Verle and Lu May and brother-in-laws; Gerald Miller and Ernie Pease.
A visitation for Norman will be held on Monday, April 3, 2023 from 5:00 p.m., to 8:00 p.m. at Norberg Memorial Home, Inc. & Monuments.
Services will be held on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church (Church on the Hill) Princeton, IL at 10:00 a.m. officiated by Pastors Jeff & Lori Whalen.
Graveside services to follow on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church (Church on the Hill) Cemetery, Princeton, IL. Closing prayer by Pastors Jeff & Lori Whalen.
Memorials to the family.
Online condolences may be directed to www.norbergfh.com
Arrangements by Norberg Memorial Home, Inc. & Monuments