Joseph Michael “Joe” May was born March 14, 1954, in Lincoln, to Iven and Anne (Sullivan) May and passed away July 15, 2026, in Lincoln, at the age of 72 years, 4 months and 1 day.
Joe grew up in Hickman and attended school at Norris High School, graduating with the Class of 1972. He enjoyed playing football and wrestling during high school. After his graduation, Joe entered the United States Air Force ,where he served from 1972 until his honorable discharge in 1976. Joe then attended the University of Nebraska, receiving a Bachelor’s Degree. Later, he attended Northern Colorado, where he received his Master of Science degree in Kinesiology.
Joe met Rhonda Ficke in the late 1990s at a multiple sclerosis event and their lives together became a beautiful bond. They built a wonderful home in Pleasant Dale, where he lived until moving to Madonna in 2011. Rhonda continued to be his angel caregiver along with the wonderful Madonna family until her passing in November of 2023. Joe’s four remaining brothers jointly tried to provide the amazing care that she had given him. Joe battled multiple sclerosis for 30 years.
Joe is preceded in death by his parents; beloved partner, Rhonda Ficke; siblings, Larry May and Yvette Smolik; and brothers-in-law, Bob Smolik and Lambert Danczak.
Survivors cherishing his memory include his siblings and spouses, Loretta Danczak, Pat (Jack) Scott, Annette (Bob) Miller, Bob (Donna) May, Keith (Pat) May, Ed (Mary) May, and Ken (Irene) May; mother-in-law, Beverly Ficke; sisters-in-law, Sandy May, Janet (Ernie) Krenk, and Jolene (Joe Zochol); brother-in-law, Del (Brenda) Ficke; and numerous nieces, nephews and his beloved Madonna family.
Visitation with family will be Sunday, July 19 from 5 – 7 p.m. at Zabka-Perdue Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be Monday, July 20, at 10:30 a.m. at Cathedral of the Risen Christ in Lincoln with a graveside service following at 2 p.m. at the Pleasant Dale Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the United States Air Force and Pleasant Dale American Legion Post 354.
Arangements by Zabka-Perdue Funeral Home.
