Gary Wayne Cater

Gary W. Cater, age 78, a lifelong resident of Hastings, passed away peacefully with his family by his side, after a courageous 2 plus year battle with pancreatic cancer on Sunday, May 19, 2019. Gary was the true Cater family patriarch, loved by many, and will be dearly missed. Gary was born in Hastings, Minnesota on October 16, 1940, the son of Lorraine D. (Pechacek) and Robert E. Cater. After High School, Gary served his country in the National Guard and US Army for eight years. At 21, he married the love of his life, Mary Ann Bauer, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in New Trier. Gary worked most of his career at C.F. Industries retiring as Assistant Superintendent in 1998. Gary also served with the Hastings Fire Department for over 22 years. When he was not working, he enjoyed fishing, mowing, gardening, and traveling to his vacation property in Florida but his true passion was his family. Gary was a dedicated member of Resurrection United Methodist Church where he served on the board of trustees, several committees, and fundraised for the youth group through the annual booya event. Gary was always looking for a project to do or help with. He was very patient with those projects and could take many trips to Menard's in order to get everything just right. Gary loved the fellowship of social outings with friends and family. He was known as the chili master within his family. As an avid sports fan, he enjoyed watching the Twins and was a loyal, long-suffering Vikings season ticket holder. His family meant the world to him and he especially loved spending time with his wife, kids and his eight grandchildren. Gary’s encouraging words, helping hand, wit, and sense of humor will be always remembered. He was deeply loved and appreciated by family and friends and will be dearly missed. Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Lorraine D. and Robert E. Cater; and sister, Ruth Ann Dorschner. He will be missed by his wife of 57 years, Mary Ann Cater of Hastings; his sons, Dan (Karen) Cater of Hastings and Jaymie (Gwen) Cater of Hastings; his daughter, Tonya (Mike) Brake of Hastings; his grandchildren, Samantha Cater, Zach Cater, Matt Cater, Sydney Cater, Peyton Cater, Jake Brake, Tori Brake, and Mallory Brake; his brother, Lyle (Sarah) Cater of Navarre Beach, Florida; his siblings-in-law, Peter (Jean) Bauer, Florence Bauer, Betty Murphy, Lil (Dan) Hoffman, Adeline (Ken) McDonald, Sylvia (Jim) Kelly, Dorothy (Don) Waltz, Diane Bathrick, Jerry (Barb) Bauer; and many other family and friends. A memorial service to celebrate Gary's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 1, 2019 at Resurrection United Methodist Church, 615 15th Street West, in Hastings. The family invites friends to a visitation on Friday, May 31, 2019 from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel, 3075 Vermillion Street, in Hastings and also from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. on Saturday at the church. The interment for Gary will take place at Lakeside Cemetery at a future time. Memorials will be directed to Resurrection United Methodist Church of Hastings –Youth Group or the charity of donor’s choice. Arrangements are being completed by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings