Gary A. White, 58, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away Sunday, Aug. 18, 2019, surrounded by his loving family at Mayo Clinic Hospital, St. Marys Campus-Rochester.

Gary Alan White was born March 22, 1961, in Austin, to Gordon and Barbara White. He graduated from Austin High School in 1979 and valued his high school friendships his entire life, always staying active in organizing his class reunions. Gary married the love of his life, Sara Jane Sandeen, on April 14, 1984, at Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Gary was an avid sports fan and an amazing athlete, playing basketball, golf and football. In his senior year, as quarterback of his Austin High School football team, he set a single game passing record of 249 yards. His love for playing sports continued into his adult life. He played and was the commissioner for the Southern Minnesota Men’s Touch Football League. Golf continued to be a passion throughout his life.

Gary worked for Hormel, the Austin Packaging Company, and was also a part-time fire fighter for the Austin Fire Department. Gary fulfilled his lifelong dream of owning the Tendermaid with his wife, Sara, for the past 22 years.

A pivotal part of Gary’s life was when he was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in 2006. Gary was given a grim prognosis, but he continued to be the optimist that he always was and never gave up hope. Gary was put on the donor list for a lung transplant through the University of Minnesota; he received a transplant in January 2009. With his competitive and positive attitude, he excelled in his recovery, was nicknamed “the Rock Star,” and was out of the hospital after just 10 days. He never forgot how lucky and blessed he was to receive a lung, a second chance at life, and to have his freedom back. He continued to encourage others needing transplants and was a volunteer for Life Source. Over the years, Gary endured many health challenges, but he remained positive; his passion for life and the love for his wife and family gave him every reason to fight.

He enjoyed taking trips up north to his family cabin and he cherished spending time with his children and grandchildren. Gary was a consummate people-person who was a friend to all; he always made people feel special, never judged, and was a loyal neighbor and friend. He loved his community, his neighbors, friends and, most of all, his family.

He was preceded in death by his mom, Barb White; and his in-laws, Don and Chum Sandeen. Gary is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Sara White, Austin; son, Tyler (Kallie) White, Austin; daughter, Jenna White, Austin; grandchildren, Stormie, Knox and Maddex; brother, Michael (Judy) White, Blooming Prairie, Minnesota; sister, LeAnn (Brian) Massey, Sacramento, California; brother-in-law, Jay Sandeen, St. Paul, Minnesota; and nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019, at Westminster Presbyterian Church with the Revs. Brittany MacMillan and David Simerson officiating. Visitation will be from 4:30-7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019, at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary. There will not be visitation prior to the service on Saturday at the church. A reception will follow the service. Private interment will be at a later date.