Gerald L. Mai, age 74, of WaKeeney, died peacefully Friday, March 28, 2014 at Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital after a brief and courageous battle with cancer. He was at home until Sunday March 23rd and at all times was surrounded by his loving family and friends.  He was born Oct. 22, 1939 at Garden City Ks to Herbert and Esther (Deines) Mai, moving to WaKeeney at a young age. He attended District 10, Trego Center, until 6th grade, graduation from Trego Community High School in 1959.  He attended classes at Kansas State University, and graduated from Drafting and Mechanics Institute of Technology in Denver Colorado after which he held a position with Martin Marietta.

He married Wanda (Warren) Mai on September 10, 1960. They spent 54 wonderful years as partners in love and business dedicated to each other and their children.  They built and operated Mai's Locker and Meat Processing in WaKeeney for many years, as well as other enterprises including a restaurant and grocery store.  Upon retiring, he lived out his dream of being greens keeper at Big Creek Golf Course which he helped to develop in 1978. He continued working and improving his much loved Big Creek Golf Course the rest of his life, serving as President of the Board for many years. His faith in God and his joy in serving Bethlehem Lutheran Church were pillars of his life.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Wanda; his loving children, Laura Mai Wolf of East Hampton, NY, and Craig Mai of Cottonwood, Arizona.  Gerry is also survived by 2 brothers, Jim and wife Betty of Wichita Kansas, Myron and wife Dixie of Parker, Colorado;  2 sisters Karen Smith and husband Steve of Parker, Colorado, Joan Roberts and husband Dave of Parker, Colorado; sisters-in-law, Nancy Arnold and husband George, and Norma Nunnenkamp, and brother-in-law Woodrow Warren and wife Rebecca. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, all of whom will greatly miss their Uncle Gerry.  He was predeceased by his brother Ronald and his parents, WaKeeney.

Gerald had an unbeatable zest for life and love of his family and friends that will live on in those who loved him.

A celebration of his life will be held Tuesday April 1, 2014, 11:00 a.m. , at Bethlehem Lutheran Church of WaKeeney.  Burial will be in the WaKeeney City Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5.00 pm to 7.00 pm on Monday, March 30 , at Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12 ^th Street, WaKeeney.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor his memory may make a donation to either Bethlehem Lutheran Church or Big Creek Golf Course in his name.  They may be sent in care of the funeral home.