Obituary of Joseph Neal White

MINMNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA

Joseph Neal “Joe” White of Minneapolis MN passed away peacefully at his home Friday Oct. 18, 2024. Joe was born Nov. 14, 1959, in Dyersville, IA the son of Cyril and Marion (Gadient) White. Joe attended Western Dubuque High School and graduated with the class of 1978. He then attended Loras College in Dubuque IA where he received a degree in Business. Joe’s early career took him to Freeport Il, where he worked in advertising for a local newspaper.

Joe then moved back to Iowa where he earned his master’s degree from Loyola University New Orleans, LA in theology. Joe then worked as a youth director for several years at Holy Ghost in Dubuque, Iowa. He later moved to Minneapolis, MN and continued to work in youth ministry. Joe changed careers in his later years and began working in the fashion industry. He was currently employed at Macy’s at Rosedale Mall. Here he was known as one of the “best” dressed employees and had a following of customers who came to the store just to see him. He was incredibly popular with his fellow coworkers as an employee and simply known as a kindhearted man. Joe also worked part time at Lunds & Byerlys Uptown where his infectious personality also made an impact with customers and fellow employees.

Joe was an ally and advocate for the LGBTQ community. Joe was a positive influence on those he knew, and he found a powerful sense of belonging in the community. He helped many people in their journey of coming out. Joe just celebrated 25 years of sobriety which was a huge accomplishment for him. Joe was an extremely active part of his AA group. Many group members early in their recovery looked to Joe for guidance and he helped so many start their journey to sobriety.

Joe was a survivor. He battled two bouts of cancer and successfully beat it. Joe will be remembered for his sense of humor, kind heart, being a good friend, a supporter of everyone he knew, and his wonderful sense of style. It was rare not to see Joe wearing one of his bowties. He was a fabulous singer who enjoyed sharing his talents at numerous events. He loved his cat Beatrix and entertaining friends at his various gatherings over the years.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents Cyril and Marion White, his siblings: Judy White, John White, Jerome “Jerry” White. He is survived by several nieces and nephews. A private family ceremony will take place in Worthington, Iowa where Joe will be laid to rest next to his family.