Gary Dean McAllister

Gary Dean McAllister, 84, passed away Friday, July 26, 2024 at Phelps Memorial Health Center in Holdrege surrounded by his family. 

Funeral services will be held at 2 PM, Thursday, August 1, 2024 at Apfel Funeral Home in Grand Island with Pastor Adam Snoberger officiating. Burial will follow in Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be an hour prior to the start of the services. 

Gary was born on July 1, 1940 in Grand Island, NE to Wallace and Matilda (Pauly) McAllister. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church. He began his schooling with GIPS, later transferring to the Nebraska School for the Deaf in Omaha. He graduated with his vocational certificate in 1961. He was first employed at the Messiah Lutheran church as a custodian. Later being employed working in maintenance by First National Bank of Grand Island – now Wells Fargo. His last job before he retired was at North Skagway. He had lived in the Grandview Apartments for several years before moving to Holdrege Memorial Homes in January of 2024. 

He was a member of the Platt Duetsche and the Eagles. He enjoyed fishing, watching baseball, Huskers, Fonner Park horse racing, lottery scratch off tickets, and jigsaw puzzles. He loved pets, especially his cats. He really enjoyed time spent with his family. He loved the large family gatherings the most. 

He is survived by his sisters, Charlotte Harders of Grand Island, Cheryl Linden of Holdrege; Nieces and nephews, Dave Harders of Wood River, Doug (Dolores) Harders of Grand Island, Jay (Tami) Harders of Alda, Jenie (Matt) Maloney of Wood River, Denise Stoner of Grand Island, Dale Harders of Grand Island, Connie (Bob) Brown of Henderson, Alex Linden of Holdrege, and Laura Linden of Lincoln; many, many great and great great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his father, Wallace McAllister; mother and step-father, Matilda and Grover Alexander; and brothers-in-law, Francis Harders and Larry Linden.