It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the passing of our dear friend and long-time colleague, Gary Neer.
Gary has worked at Whitey’s Ice Cream for nearly 44 years and was our incredible Plant Manager. It is hard to even write these words and it is hard to imagine Whitey’s Ice Cream without Gary.
Gary started working at Whitey’s when he was in high school. He often said that he could count on one hand the number of days that he didn’t want to go to work, and he would even have a thumb and little finger to spare. He was the most loyal employee that we could ask for and constantly put the good of the company above all else.
Gary started his day bright and early and never left until every task was complete. He knew each flavor forwards and backwards and never let a day pass without giving his work his absolute best effort. He was adored by his employees and was more than just a colleague; he was family, especially to his Whitey’s siblings – Jeff and Jon Tunberg, Kirsten Runburg and Scott Larson.
Gary had the absolute best work-ethic, the most positive attitude and he had the ability to make everyone around him smile. He made the best ice cream in the world and viewed his job as a way to make people happy – which he did beautifully. His work speaks volumes to who he was as a person and he will be greatly missed by everyone who knew and loved him.
There is a deep hole in the Whitey’s family that will never quite be replaced, but we are beyond thankful for the more than 43 years we had with Gary.
