Gary Dean Van Ausdal

Gary Dean Van Ausdal, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2026, at the age of 91. 

Gary was born April 8, 1935, in Santaquin, Utah, to George Lavere Van Ausdal and Stella Ruth Reid Van Ausdal. He grew up in Santaquin, where he developed a lifelong love of sports, the outdoors, hard work, and family

Gary proudly served his country in the United States Army, including time stationed in Germany. 

On February 16, 1962 Gary married the love of his life, Verna Finch. His devotion to Verna and their family was at the center of his life. There was very little Gary wouldn't do for her, and throughout their years together he was constantly building, fixing, creating, and caring for the woman he loved.

Gary held many jobs throughout his life but was perhaps best known as a talented carpet layer. He also worked for many years for the Nebo School District. He was an extraordinarily hard worker, often working a full day and then laying carpet in the evenings before coming home to work in his garden or on another project. 

There seemed to be nothing Gary couldn't fix, make, build, or design. He was remarkably strong, resourceful, and creative. He loved woodworking and building furniture, painting, gardening, and using his hands to create things for the people he loved.

But the most important thing Gary built was his family. 

Gary was the father of four children: Dean, Penny, Dennis, and Ryan. Gary and Verna were blessed with 15 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren through Penny, Dennis, and Ryan. 

Gary was the kind of father who showed up. He rarely missed his children's games, concerts, performances, or important events. When someone in his family needed help, they rarely had to ask. Gary saw what needed to be done and went to work. His children and grandchildren knew they could count on him.

Gary loved fishing, hunting, hiking, camping, riding motorcycles, sports, and spending time outdoors. But his favorite place on earth was his property in Fairview Canyon, where he spent countless hours and created treasured memories with his family.

Gary loved people and loved to tell stories and jokes. Those who knew him well also knew that a good story sometimes became a little better with each telling. His friendliness, humor, kindness, and unmistakable personality made it easy for him to make friends wherever he went.

Gary's faith was an important part of his life. A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he spent many years serving as a temple worker, service that brought him great fulfillment and joy.

Beneath Gary's remarkable strength and work ethic was a man who loved deeply. He loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and above all, he loved Verna. 

Gary spent a lifetime using his hands to work, build, repair, create, provide, and serve. Those hands were one of the many ways he showed his family how much he loved them.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Ray, Clare, and Arlene; and his daughter-in-law, Jennifer VanAusdal.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Verna; his children, Penny (Jim) Wilson, Dennis (Jill) VanAusdal, and Ryan (Andrea) VanAusdal; his brother, Boyd VanAusdal; 15 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and friends.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel in Goshen, Utah. A viewing will be held at the church prior to the service from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Interment will follow in Goshen, Utah with military honors.