Wayne F. May

Wayne Francis May, 80, of North Mankato passed away on Saturday December 27, 2025, from complications of Dementia.

Memorial service will be Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 1 P.M. at Woodland Hills Chapel in Mankato, with military honors immediately following services at Woodland Hills Chapel.  Interment will be in Woodland Hills Memorial Park, Outdoor Mausoleum at a later date.

Visitation will be on Saturday morning from 11 A.M. until the hour of services at Woodland Hills Chapel. Arrangements by Woodland Hills Funeral Home of Mankato. www.woodlandhillsfh.com

Wayne was born June 2nd, 1945, to Francis and Alice (Holicky) May. He grew up on a family farm with three siblings Dale (Dottie) May, Ramona May (Tietz), and James (Patricia) May. He was a graduate from the Le Center High School.  

Wayne proudly served and was honorably discharged from the United States Army Reserves. He worked as an employee and body shop manager for Ziesmer Ford in Mankato. During this time, he also started his own business, Wayne’s Auto Reconditioning, which grew successfully into Wayne’s Auto Body for over 50 years. Throughout this time, Wayne made many new friends, some of which ended up in a small camping group called the Sun Chasers. Wayne enjoyed spending time with family and friends for birthdays, cookouts, and anniversaries as well as fishing and hunting on and near his property in Mora. Wayne was a proud member of the Future Farmers of America, Key City Lions Club and Pioneer Power Association.

Wayne supported numerous events such as North Mankato Fun Days, the North Mankato Chamber of Commerce Hog and Turkey Roasts, Saint Peter Demolition Derby and the Saint Peter Car Show and Swap Meets. His passion for Pioneer Power led to volunteering in the kitchen and displaying his tractors for others to view and enjoy.

Wayne married Jean Polchow on April 19, 1969. Together they were blessed with six children. Timothy Eccles (Sandy Jaeger), Steve Eccles, Ronald (Pam) Eccles, Wayne Jr (Cheryl) May, Jodie May and Jacqueline May (Scott Helgerson). He leaves behind eight grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and one great great-grandchild.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents Francis and Alice (Holicky) May, his sister Ramona May (Tietz) and her special friend Joe Appelhof, and grandchildren Jeffrey Eccles and Ryan May.