Bruce Edward May

Bruce Edward May, of Onalaska, WI, passed away peacefully at home on March 2, 2026, surrounded by family, after a brief battle with cancer. Bruce was born on November 7, 1949, to the late Edward and Joyce May of Niagara, Wisconsin, where he spent his formative years and graduated high school. In high school, he played football and was consistently recognized as an all-conference tackle.

After graduating, he obtained a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and subsequently joined the U.S. Navy as a Naval Flight Officer. He married Sandra Gunville of Niagara and had two sons, Jeffrey and Christopher. Following Sandra’s passing in 1976, Bruce raised his two young sons in San Diego as a single parent while working full-time and attending graduate school. In 1984, he met his soulmate, Diane, while both were attending law school at the University of San Diego. They married and had three children: Matthew, David, and Laura.

Bruce’s life was defined by a commitment to service and education. During his distinguished career as a Naval Officer, he completed basic flight training in Florida and Georgia and advanced training in San Diego. He joined an aircraft carrier squadron and made several deployments to the Pacific and the South China Sea, eventually retiring at the rank of Commander.

An avid lifelong learner, Bruce held a Master’s in Business, a Doctorate in Business, and a Juris Doctor. He practiced law in Southern California and was a member of the California and Minnesota State Bars. As an educator, he taught in California, South Dakota, and Wisconsin, eventually retiring as Dean and Professor Emeritus at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, College of Business Administration.

Beyond his professional achievements, Bruce was a man of the outdoors. He and Diane traveled extensively, hiking across New Zealand, the Himalayas, and the Andes, and successfully climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa and Mt. Olympus in Greece. His hobbies included running, kayaking, and horticulture. Bruce was also a gifted artist who worked in charcoal, pencil, pastel, and acrylic paint; most of his works are proudly displayed in his home and the homes of his children.

Bruce valued family, education, international travel, the outdoors, and professionalism. He strived to uphold his father’s philosophy of helping people. He is survived by his wife, Diane; his sons Jeffrey, Christopher (Molly), and Matthew May; and his daughter Laura Coppola (Peter). He is also survived by six grandchildren: Lindsey, Josie, Bryce, Lilah, Amelia, Clara, and a grandson due in August. He is preceded in death by his parents, his infant son, David, and his sister, Kathy.

“See you on the other side of the mountain.”

The family would like to extend a thank you to the staff at Emplify, especially to his incredible nurse, Darbi. In honor of Bruce’s love of the outdoors, donations can be made to the Mississippi Valley Conservancy or Clearwater Farm.

Service details will be posted soon.