Martha May

Martha Marie May passed away May 11, 2010, at the age of 87, at Tri-County Hospital in Wadena, MN. She was a life long resident of Wadena. Martha was born September 28, 1922, in Bluffton, to Marie (Merkes) and Lawrence Stoderl. She went to first grade in Bluffton, then the family moved to Wadena. They moved to different houses in Wadena and then in 1930 they moved back to the farm. Martha helped take care of the 2 gardens, and 400 chickens, even hauling the feed, either on her shoulder or by pulling a wagon. In 1937 Martha graduated 8th grade and did work at a neighbors where a baby was born. In 1940 she did house work for Clare and Ollie Ehlen when their twin boys were born. Martha worked at Signe’s Eat Shop in 1941 & 1942, and later at Rachel Shipley’s Ready to Wear Shop until she married. On February 17, 1944, Martha married Vernon LeRoy May in Bluffton. Vernon worked at Kelsey Dairy Farm, and Martha went to work at the Red Owl Store in Wadena, until the fall of 1944. She then stayed home to wait for the birth of their son, Ron, born on July 9, 1945. Their daughter, Marilyn, was born on October 17, 1946. In May of 1946, Martha and Vern moved to the house on Second Avenue in Wadena, where they lived until they moved to Humphrey Manor. Martha worked at Leader’s Ready To Wear in 1953. In the spring of 1954, she was the first employee hired at the new S & L Store next to the Cozy Theater. Martha started unpacking boxes and setting up shelves, and later in the fabric department. In 1957, she was chosen to represent the S & L Department 6 (fabrics) managers from Wadena, Bemdji, Fargo, Fergus Falls, and Brainerd, with a trip to the Minneapolis warehouse for a buying meeting with warehouse personnel. In 1959, Martha quit work at S & L Stores and stayed home. Shortly after that she went to work at St. Ann’s Parochial School as head cook. There she made up her own recipes baking 13 oblong cakes a day. She and her helper made doughnuts, hamburger buns, roasters of dressing, etc, feeding 297 pupils every day. She worked as cook for five years. In 1973, Martha was selected Vice President for the VFW Auxiliary Post 3922. In 1974 to 1977, she was VFW Auxiliary President. She was a poppy chairman and went to almost all of the district and state meetings. She also held district offices of patriotic instructor, flag bearer, guard, and chairman of president’s projects. From 1977 to 1982 Martha was a Tri-County Hospital volunteer Pink Lady with 650 hours of service. From 1983 to 2002 Martha was secretary for the CCC Chapter 93 which also included the job of treasurer. In 1994, Martha and husband Vernon moved to Humphrey Manor. Martha is survived by son, Ronald of Zion Grove, PA; daughter, Marilyn of Onamia; five grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren; brothers Bill of Perham, Leo of CA, Donald of SC, Marie of Fl, and Frank of AR; sisters-in-law Bernita of Wadena and Verla Stark of Las Vegas, NV; and brother-in-law Marvin May of Wadena. She was preceded in death by her husband Vern; and her parents Lawrence and Marie Stoderl. The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 10:30 AM on May 18, 2010 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Wadena with Father Donald Wagner as celebrant. Interment was in Calvary Cemetery in Wadena.

Martha May

September 28, 1922 - May 11, 2010