Michael Peter May

Michael Peter May “Mike” of North Aurora passed away on March 21, 2018 in Unionville Missouri at the age of 71.

Mike is survived by his wife, Carol J. May (Wolff), his two children, Elizabeth C. Bancroft (Peter) of Aurora, IL. and Michael A. May (Melissa) of Montgomery, IL; three sisters, Judy Olah (Albert), Catherine Riddle (Robert), and Martha McAllister (Michael); four granddaughters; Kylie, Jenna, and Lauren Bancroft, and Christiana May as well as one grandson, Michael I. May. He is preceded in death by his father Ralph and mother Katherine May.

Mike was born on May 4, 1946 in Aurora, IL to Ralph and Katherine (Oberweis) May. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1968 with a Bachelor's of Science in Mechanical Engineering. After moving back to Aurora, IL. in 1970, Mike began working for Fermi National Acceleratory Laboratory as a mechanical engineer, and eventually became the department head for the Mechanical Support Department before retiring in 2001. In 1972 he married Carol J. Wolff. In 1975 the couple welcomed their daughter Elizabeth, and a son Michael in 1977. His children remember him as an incredibly hard working and brilliant engineer who cared deeply for his family and loved God with all his heart.

Mike was an accomplished engineer, having been an important part of the development and design of one of mankind's largest and most complicated machines, the Tevatron at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, an over four (4) mile in circumference particle accelerator which was instrumental in proving the Standard Model of Particle Physics.  He was an exceptional golfer, loved to hunt and fish, play the guitar, and also enjoyed wood carving, and model trains.  Mike was also active in his church Calvary West in Sugar Grove.  Since his retirement, Mike also stayed active at his lakehouse and farm in Unionville, Mo.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 25, 2018 from 3:00 PM- 6:00 PM at Dieterle Memorial Home, 1120 S. Broadway Ave.Montgomery, IL. Mike will lie in state on Monday, March 26, 2018 from 9:00 AM until the time of funeral at 10:00 AM at Calvary West Church in Sugar Grove, IL.  Pastor Richard Wooten of Calvary West will preside. Interment will follow at River Hills Memorial Park, Batavia, IL.  All are welcome to attend and celebrate Mike's life. Memorial contributions can be made to the family for a memorial that will be established.

www.dieterlememorialhome.com