Rob McAllister

    Robert Gene McAllister was born Dec. 31, 1957, in Brainerd, Minnesota, to Bruce and Irene McAllister. He was the youngest of eight children and was raised in Jenkins, Minnesota. He died Sept. 20, 2018, in La Crosse, Wisconsin, at the age of 60.
    Robert loved to travel, and he had been in all of the U.S. states except Hawaii. He was a craftsman by trade, and he handmade many things, from yard ornaments and windmills to jewelry and picture frames. He lived in Holyoke for many years and was known for his handyman skills. He was always busy with one project or another.
    He loved camping, fishing and motorcycles. Rob played the guitar and sang with the McAllister Family Gospel Singers at many churches in Colorado and Nebraska, as well as family reunions and gatherings held throughout the country.
    Rob loved his nieces and nephews, and they adored him and were always anxious to hear about Uncle Rob’s traveling adventures.
    Rob married Judy Rodriguez late in life, and with this union, he became a dad and a grandpa. Every person in Rob’s life was special to him. He always made everyone feel at ease, and they knew he cared deeply for them.
    Rob was preceded in death by his parents, Bruce and Irene; two brothers, infant Robert and Jess (Dan) McAllister; grandparents, Dan and Hedwig McAllister and Jess and Mildred Matchett; and nephew, Daniel Ray McAllister.
    He is survived by his wife, Judy; three stepsons, Emery, John and Bobby Groves; stepdaughter, Samantha Steers; six step-grandchildren; four sisters, Dolly Smith and family, Teri Herrewig and family, Debbie Moorhouse and family, and Cher Wade and family; two brothers, Steve McAllister and family and twin Richard McAllister and family; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and friends.
    Rob was loved and will be missed by many.
    A graveside memorial will be held in Jenkins at a later date.