Michael Gene White

Michael “Mike” Gene White, age 72, of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, passed away on Monday, May 18, 2026, at Mayo Clinic Health System Austin.

Mike was born on November 16, 1953, in Austin, Minnesota, to Gordon and Barbara White. He was raised in Austin and graduated from Austin High School in 1972. He continued his education at Austin Community College before earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy from the University of Minnesota in 1977.

Pharmacy was more than a profession for Mike—it was a calling. A lifelong pharmacist, he dedicated his career to serving and caring for others. For 29 years, Mike proudly owned and operated White’s Pharmacy in Blooming Prairie, where he became a trusted and familiar presence in the community. After closing the pharmacy in 2008, he continued working in the profession he loved until April 2026. His commitment to helping others and the compassion he showed throughout his career spoke volumes about the kind of person he was.

On June 2, 1979, Mike married the love of his life, Judy Nelson, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Austin. Together they built a life centered on family and raised their two children, Christine and David, in the close-knit community of Blooming Prairie, a town Mike was proud to call home.

He had a deep love for golf and treasured the time he spent on the course. For over 40 years, he looked forward to golfing with his longtime friends in a league at the Blooming Prairie Country Club. Beyond the game itself, Mike valued the friendships, laughter, and time spent together. He also loved traveling and making memories with his family, especially trips to Palm Springs, California, where he always made time to enjoy a few rounds of golf. One of Mike's favorite memories was a dream trip to Pebble Beach with his son, David.

Above all else, Mike loved his family and was incredibly proud of them. He never missed an opportunity to tell others about his wife, children, and grandchildren. He treasured every moment spent with them. He was also known for being a hugger and was always ready with a hug for family and friends. Mike will be remembered for his kindness, compassionate heart, and the countless lives he touched throughout the years.

Mike is survived by his loving wife, Judy White of Blooming Prairie; son, David White of Rochester; daughter, Christine (Cody) Ulrich of Owatonna; granddaughters, Kinzie and Kadley Ulrich; sister, LeAnn (Brian) Massey of California; brothers-in-law, Dennis Nelson and Dean (Laureen) Nelson; sister-in-law, Sara Nauman; along with his nieces, nephews, extended family members, and many dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gordy and Barb White; brother, Gary White; and nephew, Michael “Mick” Hodson.

A memorial service for Mike will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie. Visitation will be from 4:00–7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 5, at Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home in Blooming Prairie and will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Austin.

Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes are assisting the family with arrangements.