Service Information
Kaitlin McGraw May, age 36, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away on Friday, May 5, 2023, at her home in Hutchinson.
Memorial Service will be held Saturday, May 13, 2023, at 11:00 A.M., at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Hutchinson. Private Family Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery in Hutchinson.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be held on Friday, May 12, 2023, from 5:00-8:00 P.M. at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Hutchinson, with a Prayer Service at 7:30 P.M. Gathering will continue on Saturday one hour prior to the service at the church.
Friday Prayer Service and Saturday Memorial Service will be livestreamed at https://ctkhutch.com/live
Memorials preferred. Memorial accounts have been set up at Citizen's Bank & Trust and Go Fund Me.
Obituary
Kaitlin McGraw May was born on October 28, 1986, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and she passed away in Hutchinson on May 5, 2023. She was the daughter of Michael and Karla (Hawker) McGraw. Kaitlin graduated from Hutchinson High School in 2005, and was a member of the Varsity Golf and Tennis teams. One of her state tournament golf appearances was punctuated by finishing a round in bare feet after being stung by deer flies! Kaitlin graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 2009 with a BA in History and a minor in Irish Studies.
Kaitlin was a faithful, loyal, and grateful daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, and friend as well as a tireless, loving and understanding wife and mom who had a plan for everything and was generally 10 steps ahead of everyone else! Michael and Kaitlin, who were married for ten years this May, were the best of friends who welcomed family and friends alike but loved just being together over just about anything else. Her children, Little JoJo and Cal, were the light of her eye! Kaitlin guided them with persistence, creativity, patience, thoughtfulness and vision.
Kaitlin was the glue in her family, especially during times of uncertainty and challenge. She had a quiet, steady, but also commanding presence that could turn life’s complexities into something manageable, making life easier for those in her life.
Kaitlin was an expert teacher who was incredibly gifted, but also one who worked ceaselessly to master her craft. She was an avid reader whose curiosity and love of learning informed how she thought about and engaged her teaching and life in general. She believed in the dignity of each student and was dedicated to helping children with learning challenges. She accumulated numerous teaching certifications so that she could better serve her students and was licensed to serve grades K-12, but she focused on the early years. Her specialties included Learning Disabilities (LD), Emotional and Behavioral Disability (EBD), Developmental Cognitive Disorder (DCD), Autism Spectrum Disability (ASD), and Other Health Disabilities (OHD). Despite suffering several concussions and regular bruises and bite marks, Kaitlin maintained her sense of humor and ability to see the good in each of her students. Her curriculum design and ongoing mentorship of new teachers spread her expertise and insights throughout the school system.
Kaitlin’s love of family and those she served guided everything she did. She experienced life deeply and absorbed the feelings and emotions of those around her. On occasion she could share her more feisty side as she shared how she really felt, but she was always very thoughtful and sensitive to what others needed.
Kaitlin had three tattoos that reflected inner dispositions and the people and parts of her life that helped form her. First, her love of the Irish language, history and culture was reflected in her tattoo of “Síochána”, which is Irish for peace. Second, she had “Vita Dulcedo Spes” (which is the motto of her alma mater, Notre Dame, and highlights how Mary is our life, our sweetness, and our hope). Finally, she received a tattoo of a goldfinch, which represented her love of her Grandpa RJ, from whom she inherited a passion for the McLeod County Fair and assumed his place at the North Gate. These words and images reflect Kaitlin’s earnest, authentic and genuine nature, her love of and devotion to family, and her ability to stay true to who she was and the values in which she believed and dedicated her life and service.
Kaitlin is survived by her:
Husband, Michael May of Hutchinson, MN;
Children, Joseph McGraw and Callier Grace;
Parents, Michael and Karla McGraw of Hutchinson, MN;
Parents-in-law, Pat and Joy May of Hutchinson, MN;
Siblings, Nora and Evan Kohli of Hutchinson, MN,
Riley McGraw of Hutchinson, MN;
Siblings-in-law, Jon and Brittni May of Waconia, MN,
Katie May of Waconia, MN;
Grandparents, Marvin and Marilyn Hawker of Hutchinson, MN, and
Kathleen McGraw of Hutchinson, MN;
Aunts and Uncles, Vicki and Jim Powell of Houston, TX,
Steve and Holli Hawker of Chanhassen, MN,
Patty and Omar Kouatli of Edina, MN,
Patrick McGraw of Hutchinson, MN,
Sean McGraw and Kris Trustey of Wenham, MA,
Shannon and Mark Klaers of St. Louis Park, MN;
Cousins, Chistopher Powell, Nicole Powell, Michal Hawker, David Hawker, Jesse Hawker, Hannah Hawker Touchette, Erin Hawker, Maddie Hawker, Claire Kouatli, Kathryn Kouatli, Conor Klaers, Ryan Klaers, Maggie Klaers, Caroline Trustey, and Claire Trustey;
Nieces and Nephews, Maren Kohli, Henry May, Franklin May, and Annie May.
Kaitlin is preceded in death by her grandpa RJ McGraw.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorials to help support the education of Kaitlin and Michael’s children Joey and Cal.
Bridget Peller says
Sending our prayers and love…
Robyn and Barclay Klinker says
Miss May was such a patient, kind, and positive special ed teacher for our son, Dylan, during his Park elementary years. She was a rock for us during some challenging years with him. We so appreciated her smile and how she would celebrate any step forward no matter how small. We will forever be grateful for everything she did for him.
Tobii Ives says
Our hearts are breaking, she touched many lives and will be deeply missed by all. Praying her family can find comfort and joy in each other and their shared love and memories, today and always.
Jan Johnson says
Mike, Karla and family, there are no words that will take away the pain of losing a child, sister, aunt, cousin, friend. Just know that many people care about you and will be there for you. Love, hugs and prayers to you all.
Marlys Miller says
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. Kaitlin’s loss will will leave a huge void.
Kathryn Stueber says
Pat, Joy and family
So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you .
Dani Frank says
Nora and your entire family- you are in our thoughts and prayers. Gods plan is unfolding. So glad you are back in Hutch!
God be with you this coming week
Dani and Kirby
Jeanette Ebnet says
sympathy to all–I worked with Kaitlyn at West, she was a wonderful person and very patient. So sorry for your loss
Allison Lunde says
Michael, Mike, Karla, Nora, Riley, and the rest of Kaitlin’s family you have my deepest sympathy. I can’t even begin to imagine the heartbreak. Kaitlin was an amazing woman and she touched many loves. I feel lucky to have played golf with her for so many years. She always kept everything lively on and off the course. Her legacy will live on through her beautiful children.
My sincerest condolences,
Allison Machtemes Lunde & Family
Betty Brandt says
Prayers for family and friends.
Derek Olson says
I am so very sorry for the loss. My thoughts are with you all during this trying time. I am so sorry.
Don & Lois Meyer says
Mike & Karla, We are sending thoughts & prayers for comfort and peace!
Kristi Scott says
I am so, so, sorry for your loss! You are all in my prayers!
Rochelle and Todd Drahos says
Our deepest condolences to the May and McGraw families & friends. It is difficult to convey the depth of our sympathies, but we hope your families can cherish the memories and know that your friends and community are here to support you in any way we can. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Todd and Rochelle Drahos
Marsha Schmit says
We are so sorry for you, Mike and Karla and family and Michael, Joy and Pat at the shocking loss of Kaitlin…May God bless and keep you especially during this difficult time.
Marsha & Dave Schmit
Don Young says
Prayers for Family and Friends.
Claire Woelfel says
I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of Kaitlin. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Darby Bradley says
To the McGraw and May families,
We are so sad. Kaitlin is everything good and our lives are the better for knowing her. We are praying for all of you.
May God’s solace surround you.
Love,
Todd and Darby Bradley
Brenda Sturges says
My sympathys to the whole family. So sorry.
Linda & Mark Schmidt says
So sorry for your loss. Hold close all the memories.
Mark and Linda Schmidt
Steven and Darla Jansick and family says
We are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this trying time.
Bridgett Bonte says
So so sorry for your loss. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Barbara Burkstrand says
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Deepest sympathy, Dennis and Barb
Mary Christensen says
To the families of Kaitlin, please accept my sincere condolences. I will keep each one of you in my thoughts and prayers.
Angela Decker says
Pat, Joy I am so very sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family as well as sympathy for Kaitlin’s family.
Barbara Peterson says
Mike and Karla, Sincere sympathies to you and family. May your wonderful memories comfort you at this time. Prayers for family.
Anonymous says
I did not know Kaitlin but after reading her story, I felt as though I did. My deepest sympathies in your loss. May God keep you all wrapped in His Loving Embrace and give you Peace.
Judy and Tom Felber says
You are all in our thought and prayers!
Sue Tapio says
Our love and prayers for Michael and family!
Marla schneider says
Karla and Mike:
Jeff and I are so upset to hear about Kaitlin. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. One should never have to experience what you are going through. If there is anything we can do for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Hugs being sent……
Bruce Christianson says
thoughts and prayers to all the families.. Our memories are so precious.
Joe Anderson says
Praying for the whole family during this hard and extremely sad time.
Wendy Anderson says
Sending my sympathy and prayers to Kaitlin’s family. I enjoyed working with her at West. She will be deeply missed. God Bless.
Lori Swift says
Hugs and prayers
We are here for you
Chase Smerdzinski says
Sending my heartfelt condolences to the McGraw and May families. I met Kaitlin at Notre Dame and I can honestly say that she was one of the most genuinely kind-hearted, selfless, and empathetic people I’ve ever known. I spent a weekend in her hometown during our sophomore year, and her whole family and friends in Hutchinson were just as warm and welcoming as she always was. Kaitlin left an indelibly positive mark in the world, and we’re all very lucky to have had her in our lives. Will be sending lots of love and prayers to the McGraw and May families – please let me know if there is anything I can do.
Mike McGraw says
Chase- thank you for the kind words about Kaitlin. I am glad you had the opportunity to be a part of her life during her Notre Dame years. We were blessed to have her in our lives for 36 years, though way too short, we have her legacy in Joe and Calli to keep us going.
Gary and Sharon Daniels says
Our deepest sympathies to Mike and family and to the McGraw and May families! Our prayers for all of you are for comfort, peace and strength as each day passes.
Babette Piker says
Mike, Karla and family my deepest condolences to you all, Kaitlin was a great person whom I had the privilege to work with numerous times when I was a substitute para. I can understand her strong love of her Irish heritage as I am a wee bit of Irish and her love for her students too, she was patient with them and understanding. God never gives us more then what we can handle and He guides us through it when we think we can’t. May you find comfort in the memories you be have of her, the support from your family, friends and our community and the love of so many who had the opportunity to know Kaitlin. God bless you all.
Colleen Menze says
My deepest sympathies to all of you during this sad time. Praying for God’s loving arms to surround you and give you peace and strength.
Betsy and Lowell Himle says
Our sympathies to Kailin’s family, especially for such a tragic and shocking passing. A huge loss not only to her family but to her students and community. What a world we would have if more people were like Kaitlin in accomplishments and love of students.
Leah Brinkman-Goldschmidt says
Kaitlin was a high school classmate of mine. She was always so kind, patient, jovial, and inclusive of everyone. Sending you my deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Terry L Kempfert says
Joy and Pat, Karla and Mike – Sending love and light to all of you – you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Brad Blomstrom says
I was fortunate enough to know Kaitlin in college and afterwards. She is one of the few people I’ve known whose fundamental goodness was obvious is everything she did. Her nature was to pursue right, with selflessness and joy. She found her true calling in education, and the world was clearly better off for it.
Michele Melius says
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Tom and I send our sincere condolences.
Genelle & Mike Schall says
Our thoughts and prayers to the McGraw and May families. We hope the outpouring of love shown to your families lets you know how much she was loved.
Greg and Teri Wheatley says
Mike, Karla and family, our heartfelt condolences to you all. We will be thinking and praying for the family. No one should have to go through what you are right now and we hope that Michael, Joseph and Callier and all of the McGraw and May family can find some peace in these difficult times through your many memories of Kaitlin. God bless you all.
Sarah Mcgraw says
Mike & Karla, Pat & Joy and families
Our deepest sympathy to all of you at this time of sadness and loss. Prayers to all of you
Patrick & Sarah McGraw
Wanda and Skyler Siewert says
To Kaitlin family and other that knew her well you all are in my thoughts and prayers. She was so wonderful with my daughter Skyler in school. Mike and kids Karla and Mike Joy and Pat if any of you need anything I and Skyler are there for you. Please do call.
Love and hugs to all Wanda and Skyler Siewert
Cathie Wallyn says
Mike and Karla, God bless you both. I cannot imagine your pain. She impacted so many lives. She will be missed. I will be praying for your family and the May family with love and much sympathy, Cathie Wallyn.
pam olson says
Mike, Karla and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss of Kaitlin. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May family and memories comfort you.
Blessings,
Jim and Pam
John & Julie Ingleman says
Mike and Karla – With true sadness we send our deepest sympathy to you and your family. – John & Julie