William "Bill" May

William "Bill" May, age 79, passed away peacefully with his wife and daughters at his side on Thursday, August 21, 2025.

Born on October 2, 1945, to Charles and Ethel Gumm May, Bill was the third youngest of ten children and the beloved twin of Robert "Bob" May of Kiel, WI. Raised in Crandon, Wisconsin, Bill's childhood was steeped in the kind of small-town adventures that shaped his lifelong love of the outdoors and his mischievous spirit. He spent his early years fishing in the local lakes, helping on the family farm, playing baseball in the fields, and sledding down Wolf River hill in the winters. He and Bob were inseparable-whether they were building forts in the woods, sneaking extra cookies from the kitchen, or pulling pranks that became family legends.

On September 19, 1970, Bill married the love of his life, Karen Neumann May of Waukesha, WI. Together they built a life full of laughter, hard work, and devotion, raising four daughters who were the pride of his life. He often said, "I have four wonderful daughters and four brand new shotguns to protect them," a line that perfectly captured his blend of humor and fierce love.

Bill graduated from Crandon High School in 1964 and began bartending at the family business, May's Bar. He took over ownership of May's Bar in 1975 until his retirement in 2023. The bar was more than a business-it was a cornerstone of the community, a place where stories were swapped, friendships were forged, and Bill's legendary one-liners echoed through the walls. Whether he was pouring drinks, playing pool, or cracking jokes, Bill made everyone feel welcome.

He was a passionate outdoorsman, fire warden, and a longtime member of Ducks Unlimited, dedicating years to conservation and camaraderie. His annual pheasant hunting trips to South Dakota with close friends Bill Chaney and Ron Cole, and others were sacred traditions, filled with laughter, storytelling, and the kind of memories that last a lifetime. Bill also had a deep love for farming, horses, playing cards, and shooting pool. His humor was unmatched-he could deliver a punchline with perfect timing and had a knack for turning any moment into a reason to laugh.

Bill carried a deep respect for Native American traditions and was honored with the name Broken Paddle, a title bestowed upon him by local tribal members in recognition of his resilience, humor, and unwavering spirit. The name reflected his ability to navigate life's waters with grace and was a symbol of his strength, humility, and the way he brought people together, whether around a campfire, a card table, or the bar he ran with pride.

His father, Charles May, was also honored with the name Great White Father, a title that acknowledged his role as a wise and generous figure in the community. These names were not just ceremonial-they were reflections of the legacy both men left behind in the hearts of those who knew them. Both men along with Bill's sister Bonnie May were presented with Eagle feathers from the Native American community upon Charles' passing in 1982.

Bill is survived by his wife of 54 years, Karen; daughters Marla (Kip Thiel) May of Gladstone, MI, Toni (Cody) Stratman of Kenosha, Tiffany Haddow of Wisconsin Rapids, and Shelley (Jack) Palubicki of Green Bay. He is further survived by grandchildren Nathan Haddow, Natalee Haddow, Claire Palubicki, and Brady May; siblings Ethel "Carol" (Glen) Barker of Crandon, Phillip (Barbara) May of Hartford, WI, Thomas (Shirley) May of Crandon, Robert (Michelle) May of Kiel, WI, and Bonnie May of Crandon; and 38 nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Ethel May; siblings Charlene (George) Tupper, Jack (Pauline) May and Patricia "Patsy" (Albert) Wilson, and baby brothers Alfred and John; nephew Charles "Mort" May and great niece Lianna Thomas all of Crandon.

Visitation will take place from 12–3 p.m. on September 13, 2025, at Weber-Hill & Packard Funeral Home, with the service to follow from 3–4 p.m. The family invites everyone to join them at 4 p.m. at the Crandon Community Center to celebrate Bill's life. Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite May's Bar shirts or sports team gear to the celebration in his honor.

The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to all who loved Bill over the years, and especially to those who cared for him during the past two years-including his care team from Moments Hospice, the staff at The Cottages at Lake Park in Marinette, WI, and his doctors and providers from Emplify Health by Bellin.

Bill's legacy lives on in every laugh shared, every story told, and every card played. He was a man who lived fully, loved deeply, and left behind a trail of memories that will be cherished for generations.