Catherine Taylor obit

Catherine “May” Taylor, a beloved matriarch and cherished friend, entered into eternal peace surrounded by loving family on Oct. 26, 2026, at age 99 and 11 months. May was born on Nov. 26, 1926, in Pender, to Claus and Emma (Kuhr) Schluter. May’s journey through life was marked by love, dedication, and a steadfast commitment to family and community.

May was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 62 years, William Taylor, whom she married on April 15, 1953, in Fremont. She was also predeceased by her parents, brother George Schluter, sisters Anna Schlotfeld and Helene Rector, and her treasured grandson Christopher.

May is survived by her children: William Jr. (Jean) Taylor of Fremont, Ruth Trout of Lincoln, Helen Murray of Lincoln, Kenneth (Jayne) Taylor of Mead, and Calvin (Maureen) Taylor of Ephrata, Pa. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Peggy Anderson of Blair, nine grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren, all of whom were the light of her life and the source of her enduring joy.

May left home to start work as a Bell telephone switchboard operator in Fremont after WWII.  In May and Bill’s first venture they started farming near Orum, eventually purchasing a farm northeast of Oakland. Upon retiring from farming in 1983, they moved into Oakland. May worked many years for Region IV in Lyons and Oakland, a role she cherished for the meaningful connections she formed.

As an active member of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Oakland, May found joy and purpose in her faith community, contributing through many church activities. She was active in VFW and Legion auxiliaries holding various offices. Her service was a testament to her commitment to honoring those who served.

May embraced life with an adventurous spirit, traveling extensively with Bill before and after retirement to locales such as California, Hawaii, Alaska, New York City, Texas, Canada, and on many memorable fishing trips. 

Her passion for photography ensured that no family gathering or community event went undocumented. She enjoyed entering her pictures into the Burt County Fair every year. She also had a strong love for nature and gardening and was an active member of Oakland Garden Club for many years. She had a passion for reading and learning and was always eager to buy a new book. She enjoyed doing her daily crossword puzzle with Bill each morning and watching Wheel of Fortune every night. Above all, her greatest joy was her family, whom she supported with unwavering love and enthusiasm in all their endeavors.

May’s warmth, humility, and compassion touched all who knew her, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts she graced. Her memory will forever inspire those who had the privilege of sharing in her extraordinary life.

The funeral service was held Saturday, Oct. 31, at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Oakland. The visitation was held prior to the services at the church. The burial is at Oakland Cemetery. Memorials can be directed to the family for future designation.